New research conducted by YouGov on behalf of UK Coaching has revealed that over 9 million people in the UK have received coaching over the past 12 months with a broad range of benefits delivered to recipients.

The research, from a sample size of over 20,000 people across the UK, has revealed that:

• 9.3 million adults have received coaching, representing 18% of the adult population in the last 12 months
• 83% of people being coached agree that the coaching they receive helps to improve their physical health
• 72% of people being coached agree that the coaching they receive helps to improve their mental health and well-being

A broader definition of coaching now exists to recognise the wider benefits it has on society, as well as incorporating the traditional coaching of teaching sport specific skills and knowledge.

Participants' experiences of coaching include motivations to do better, encouragement to come back and support to achieve individual goals. Almost half of all coaches see their primary role as one to build confidence and self-esteem in participants.

By equipping the coaching workforce and the organisations that deploy it with up to date skills and knowledge, UK Coaching is on a mission to put great coaching at the heart of physical activity and sport.

Mark Gannon, Chief Executive Officer of UK Coaching, said:

"This research clearly demonstrates the positive impact good coaching can have on an individual beyond their skill acquisition and fitness. Good coaching is about understanding the motivation of the participant and what they want to achieve. The key to this is ensuring that the coaching workforce is better equipped to further support some of the challenges we face in today's society.

UK Coaching's role, and that of other organisations providing physical activity and sport, is to ensure the people delivering these activities have the right skills and knowledge to help.

We want to work with coaches and other expert organisations to make sure coaching continues to be able to support people within their communities so that they feel confident and healthy in their everyday lives."

UK Coaching plan to release more detailed statistics from the research over the next 12 months.