Dr. Eric Broom moved from England to Canada in 1964, when he was invited by Robert Osborne to join the UBC School of Kinesiology (then known as the School of Human Kinetics). At a time when many academics were researching biomechanics and physiology of the human body, Dr. Broom began to study the national institutions, associations, and organizations that administer a country’s sports programs.
His work in these areas has touched tens of thousands of people, impacted hundreds of national organizations, and influenced the design of recreational buildings as we know them today. During his long and impressive career, he travelled to more than 25 countries to study everything from coach training and transportation to recreational buildings and innovative funding streams. He led multiple delegations to study the best attributes and understand what to avoid in the field of recreation and leisure and for three years (in the early 80s), he was appointed the provincial Deputy Minister of Sport.
He was a founding father of the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) in 1974, which serves as the flagship program of the Coaching Association of Canada, and which continues to be identified as a world leading coaching education program. It is currently the largest adult continuing education program in the country and is delivered in partnership with the Government of Canada, provincial governments, and national, provincial, and territorial sport organizations.
A technical expert and coach educator for rugby, swimming, tennis, and field hockey; he has positively affected the lives of many coaches in Canada. In fact, more than 10,000 coaches and sports professionals in this country can thank Dr. Broom as the NCCP Master Learning Facilitator for his work at all levels of sport – from grassroots children’s leagues to high performance elite competition.
Dr. Broom himself coached for over 50 years and is linked to some of Canada’s most influential and prestigious sport leaders. He has been teaching coaches how to successfully coach since the day the national certification program was developed. In particular, he has a special place in his heart for the sport of field hockey and is a cherished member of Field Hockey Canada and Field Hockey BC, where he coached many athletes on both the Canadian National Men’s Field Hockey Team and the UBC Men’s Team.
Dr. Broom’s leadership in BC has also been extended toward the national training centre concept and junior athlete programming – both of which are being rolled out nationally by Field Hockey Canada. Known for his optimistic and encouraging style, he has influenced and shaped the sport of field hockey. His legacy is felt at the community, provincial, and national levels.
Dr. Broom is a recipient of the Governor General’s Commemorative Medal in recognition of significant contribution to compatriots, community and Canada.
An influential coach is a powerful catalyst and Dr. Broom has played such a role in thousands of lives. He is a powerful storyteller and says, “A good coach can help an athlete to achieve their potential in any particular sport. And a good coach influences that person as a person.”
At age 90, Dr. Broom’s name is truly a legend in the Canadian coaching education world and is known for driving the quality of coach education delivery and for shaping the athletic program environment we see today. He still actively contributes to the community by bringing his vast knowledge and experience to the fore in volunteer roles such as the Coaching Director to the Field Hockey BC Board of Directors.