The United States Sports Academy recommenced the delivery of its International Certification in Sports Management (ICSM) and International Certification in Sports Coaching (ICSC) with the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) virtually in June 2021. The program culminated with a virtual closing ceremony in August.
The post-secondary, non-degree programs, traditionally taught in person on the ground in Bangkok, were delivered 100 percent online in Zoom sessions throughout the summer. Approximately 60 Thai students – 30 in ICSM and 30 in ICSC – participated in the courses, which were delivered in five sessions. The sessions covered elite sports and athlete management, as well as sports coaching and management topics.
The closing ceremony featured remarks from SAT Governor Dr. Gongsak Todmani and Academy President and CEO Dr. T.J. Rosandich.
Sports education cooperation between the Academy and Thailand goes back to the 1980s and the Academy and the SAT have a Memorandum of Understanding to work together in sports education and training.
The Academy traditionally taught its ICSM and ICSC programs in person in Thailand. In 2020, the program was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The ICSC program includes a wide range of coaching and related administrative skills, and the ICSM program includes sports event planning, marketing and public relations, and facilities. For 15 consecutive years between 2005 and 2020 the Academy taught its international certification program to provide advanced sport education to prepare students in Thailand for careers in sport. Each year under the program approximately 100 students are drawn from the SAT and its affiliated sport organizations around the country to attend the certification programs — typically 50 for each certification. Following the conclusion of the classroom portion of the program in Bangkok, which is provided by Academy instructors, the SAT selects the best students from each program for a special study tour of sport in America.
