Across District 91, Toastmasters clubs are the heartbeat of our learning community. But even the strongest clubs sometimes face membership dips, leadership turnover, or a loss of momentum. When that happens, one role becomes absolutely vital: the Club Coach.
A Club Coach steps into a club that has 3 to 12 members, offering support, guidance, and a fresh perspective. They bring encouragement, structure, and practical know-how to help rebuild confidence, membership, and club culture. And as many coaches discover, the experience is transformational not just for the club — but for the coach.
What Does a Club Coach Actually Do?
A coach is not a fixer, nor a superhero — they’re a partner. Someone who:
- Works with the club officers to understand challenges and opportunities
- Helps rebuild membership and meeting quality
- Introduces tools, best practices, and fresh ideas
- Supports the club in generating renewed energy and confidence
- Encourages members to take ownership of their club’s success
- Celebrates progress and keeps morale high
- Helps steer the club toward Distinguished status
Club coaches do not run the club for the members; they empower the members to run the club themselves — confidently, sustainably, and proudly.
How Coaching Grows You as a Leader
One of the most compelling reasons to volunteer as a coach is the personal development you’ll gain.
You will:
- Strengthen your leadership presence
- Develop real-world coaching and facilitation skills
- Learn how to influence without authority
- Build resilience, patience, diplomacy, and strategic thinking
- Gain experience managing change and motivating a team
- Fulfil a requirement toward your DTM (Distinguished Toastmaster) accreditation
And perhaps most importantly, you will make a visible difference in the life of a club and its members.
A Coach’s Perspective — Nick Ronald’s Experience
Nick Ronald, who is currently coaching Tottenham Speakers Club, describes his experience this way:
“Serving as a Toastmasters club coach has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my leadership journey. Having the opportunity to use my own experience, knowledge and skills to support a club struggling with membership challenges to grow and succeed. In the process, I have learnt the importance of understanding the club’s members and motivating them to work together to build the club back up. In the process, I have improved my own leadership and coaching skills.”
Tracey Rodgers, who is currently coaching Ascot & Bracknell Speakers Toastmasters club, describes her experience this way:
“Coaching another club is more than giving guidance—it’s about building connections, expanding your network, and working as a team to help a club thrive. The experience strengthens your leadership skills and reminds you that when we collaborate, everyone grows. If you want to make an impact and grow yourself, become a coach—you’ll gain far more than you give.”
These stories highlight what many already know: coaching transforms not just the club, but the coach as well.
How to Get Involved — We Need You
If you’ve ever thought:
✔ “I’d like to step into more leadership.”
✔ “I want to give back to the organisation that helped me grow.”
✔ “I’m ready to stretch myself and make a difference.”
…then coaching might be the perfect next step.
To express interest or find out which clubs need coaches, simply reach out to me, details below or click the Club Coaching Link and complete the form and I will be in touch.
We’ll discuss your aspirations, match you with a club that suits your strengths, and support you throughout your coaching journey.
Toastmasters – District 91 Wants You (as a Coach 😊)
The demand for club coaches has never been higher.
Across our district, several clubs are working hard to regain stability, rebuild membership, and re-energise their meetings. These clubs are eager for support — but we simply don’t have enough coaches to meet the need.
If you’re a member who wants to develop your leadership further, stretch your communication skills, and have a real impact on the Toastmasters community, coaching is one of the most meaningful ways you can contribute.
Final Thought
Club coaches are catalysts for transformation.
They help clubs rediscover their identity, reignite their passion, and rebuild their strength. And in doing so, they themselves evolve into stronger, more confident, and more capable leaders.
If you’re ready to grow, give back, and make a meaningful impact — your district needs you.
Simon McKee D91 Club Coach Lead
Email: mckeesimon@gmail.com
Become a Club Coach – Toastmasters UK South – District 91
Last Updated on 28th November 2025 by Allen Paul