North West
Name: Alison Tootill
Workshop titles:
An Introduction to the FUNdamentals of Movement
An Introduction to Long-term Athlete Development
FUNdamentals of Agility
FUNdamentals of Balance
FUNdamentals of Coordination
Inclusive Coaching: Disability
What I do: Head of P.E. at New Bridge School in Oldham and FUNdamentals coach for sports coach UK.
How I got here: 12 years experience in Special Education Needs and a B.Ed in teaching from John Moores University.
Greatest coaching achievement: Helping children to achieve. My goal is to create an inclusive environment and challenge children appropriately to be the best that they can be.
People I have enjoyed working with: I am looking forward to meeting Sir Steve Redgrave when our school opens the Youth Sport Trust's National S.E.N conference.
Sporting hero: Denise Lewis
Name: Steve Molloy
Workshop titles:
Safeguarding and Protecting Children
An Introduction to the FUNdamentals of Movement
About me: I have been involved in sport for over 25 years as a professional Rugby League player, coach, and development officer. I have a passion for helping young people adopt a healthy active lifestyle, by getting involved in sport, I believe this builds self-esteem and develops flexibility and movement skills.
The best thing about being a sports coach UK tutor: Working with coaches from other sports and sharing best practice.
My sport: Rugby League, Football, Rugby Union, I am quite proud of having played over 500 games as a Rugby League and Rugby Union player and I am still walking and in reasonable health.
My philosophy: Treat others as they treat you, and it's better to regret something you have done than something you haven’t.
Sporting heroes: Mohamed Ali, Ellery Hanley, Paul Scholes
Name: James Dixon
Workshop title:
Effective Communication: Coaching Deaf People in Sport
About me: Profoundly deaf since birth with British Sign Language User but I can speak and do lip reading with hearing people.
I am an elite cricketer for England Deaf Cricket since 2005 and I also play for Firwood Bootle Cricket Club in Merseyside, and cricket is my main sport because of family background but I love to play and watch sports.
Recently graduated Postgraduate Diploma in Sport Coaching with a Merit at University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN), in Preston on December 2012, and also graduated with BA Hons Sport Coaching at UCLAN in Preston as well.
I am an qualified UKCC Level Two Cricket coach since 2008, so I am working as a sports coach for National Deaf Children Society, Twenty20 Cricket Company and Active Sefton in Merseyside.
Will be studying the MSC Strength and Conditioning course at University of Bolton next year.
Finally, I am official the London 2012 Olympics Torchbearer on 22nd June 2012 in Blackpool after being nominated by UCLAN for recognition of my achievements with England Deaf Cricket and worked as a volunteer sport coach to teach variety of sport for people with disabilities and children from crime and poor background.
Top motivations and tips for tutoring: To teach sports coaches/officials to make sure they know about deaf awareness and deaf athletes in sport. I want to support sports coaches to develop their coaching skills and help them to gain more confidence while coaching the people in sport. I like to see them achieve their goals in sport coaching in their future.
Top motivations and tips for coaching: Try to challenge yourself to become a sports coach and enjoy yourself to coach the people in sport. You have to gain more experience and to enjoy what you do in sports coaching. You have to support your athletes to achieve their goals into the elite levels from grassroots.
You must being a good and positive role model with a good attitude to the athletes in sport before they can build their sporting skills to compete in the elite and international levels with your support.
Name: Craig Wright
Workshop titles:
Safeguarding and Protecting Children
Equity in Your Coaching
About me: I am currently employed as a Senior lecturer in Sports Coaching and Course Leader for the MA Sports Coaching at the University of Central Lancashire. Within this role I have had to opportunity to work with students who are both aspiring coaches and high performance coaches across a number of coaching sub-disciplines. One of my key areas of specialism is in performance analysis. I consult with a number of sports teams across the northwest to provided student internships to support their organisations. In my spare time I coach the University Men’s and Ladies basketball teams and also play in the regional Greater Manchester Basketball League.
Top motivations and tips for tutoring: Despite the variety of roles which people play within sports clubs, from my experiences of delivering on Sports Coach UK programmes, they all share an overwhelming passion for sport. It is great to work with such committed and enthusiastic groups of people, many of which are working under great constraints and restrictions.
Top motivations and tips for coaching: On the biggest challenges I see with sports coaching is the need for coaches to develop independent critical learners, who play a central role in their own personal development. One of the key challenges I face every day is refraining from thinking too much for the performers I work with.
Name: Esther Jones
Workshop titles:
Multi-Skills Inclusion
How to Coach Disabled People in Sport
Analysing Your Coaching
An Introduction to Long-term Athlete Development
What I do: Coaching Advisor for sports coach UK.
How I got here: An ex paralympian, I got so much out of sport that I wanted to share my experiences with others. I am particularly passionate about ensuring that other disabled people have equal opportunities in sports.
Greatest coaching achievements: Being part of international teams including supporting the athletics sprint squad in the Athens Paralympics in 2004. Also coaching an under 17's hurdler at my local athletics club, and helping to introduce him to, and give him confidence with the event.
People I have enjoyed working with: Young people with cerebral palsy who want to do athletics, helping them to gain confidence to have a go and get involved.
Sporting hero: Daley Thompson
Name: Michelle L Jones
Workshop titles:
Safeguarding and Protecting Children
Safeguarding and Protecting Children 2
Safeguarding and Protecting Children 16 – 18
An Introduction to Long-term Athlete Development
Analysing Your Coaching
A Guide to Mentoring Sports Coaches
Coaching Children and Young People
An Introduction to FUNdamentals of Movement
Multi-skills Clubs in Practice
Multi-skills Inclusion
FUNdamentals of Agility
FUNdamentals of Balance
FUNdamentals of Coordination
Coaching the Whole Child
Coaching the Young Developing Performer
About me: I have been involved in teaching and coaching swimming from beginner through to national standard for 25 years. I am also a water polo coach
I am currently self employed and deliver UKCC courses in Teaching Aquatics, Coaching Swimming and Coaching Water Polo at levels 1 and 2. I deliver Coaching Swimming at level 3 also. I develop and deliver CPD’s for all the above disciplines. I have also recently gone back to being a chief coach at a swimming club doing approx 15 hours a week of coaching and administration. I am not currently active myself in any sport but regularly do some cardio work for fitness.
Top motivations and tips for tutoring: I enjoy meeting different groups of people and assisting them in the development of their coaching. It is all about sharing experiences and knowledge so that all these people can reach the level that they feel comfortable with when coaching children and young people
Top motivations and tips for coaching: I enjoy working with children and young people and seeing their development and helping them on their journey to achieve their own goals within the sport
Name: Ian Williams
Workshop titles:
An Introduction to the FUNdamentals of Movement
An Introduction to Long-term Athlete Development
About me:
- RFU level 3 Coach; RFU Trainer and Coach Educator; sports coach UK Tutor; RFU Referee assessor; Sports Mentor
- Involvement in coaching sports at different levels; I have coached at all levels for Rugby; Grass roots at all age groups up to International at Under 18 level
- I am the Rugby Development Officer on the Isle of Man
- I have retired from playing sport
- I work with a wide range of athletes from all spectrums of sport
Top motivations and tips for tutoring: Seeing people develop through the training given and watching them grow as a person. Always learning, “Every Day is a School Day”, you should look to gain something new every day, to keep your mind sharp.
Top motivations and tips for coaching: The challenge of creating the right environment to allow the athletes you are coaching to fulfil their potential to the maximum they can achieve.
Name: George Newell
Workshop titles:
Safeguarding and Protecting Children
Safeguarding and Protecting Children 2
What I do: Gymnastics coach
How I got here: My wife and I started a gym club in a local school which quickly expanded. After moving twice it has developed into the successful, volunteer-run Wigan and Ashton Gymanastics Club.
Greatest coaching achievements: Passing all my coaching qualifications from the bottom of the ladder to the top with the help of my club gymnasts.
People I have enjoyed working with: John Waring, Bill Smithies, Stan Wild, Bob Marsden, numerous other coaches and all the candidates from far and wide on coaching courses.
Sporting hero: All sports people
Name: Ian Leather
Workshop titles:
Safeguarding and Protecting Children
Positive Behaviour Management in Sport
Coaching the Whole Child
About me: Following a career change and completion of a BA (Hons) degree in Coaching and Sports Development I am now self-employed working in these arenas. A major part of my portfolio includes work in disability cricket developing participation from grassroots to elite level. Currently pursuing a Masters degree in Sports Psychology.
The best thing about being a sports coach UK tutor: The most interesting aspect to this role is that no two workshops are the same and you gain new experiences at each one. Although this has its challenges, it is the diversity of sports, roles and opinions that makes each workshop unique and therefore enjoyable to run.
My sport: Cricket (for coaching, watching and very occasionally playing these days).
I really enjoy seeing any sport being played in the right spirit and being enjoyed by participants and spectators alike. For me sport should be an escape from the more tiresome aspects of life. That is why it is such a privilege to be able to work in this environment.
Top motivations and tips for tutoring: Tutoring for me is a privilege because it not only gives me the opportunity to enthuse and add knowledge to the workshop participants roles but the majority of people in the room are volunteers with a wide range of experiences who never fail to inform and contribute to the content. Because each workshop is always different I always try to prepare well for each event and make the delivery as relevant as possible to the audience in front of me.
Top motivations and tips for coaching: Coaching has given me the greatest experiences of my working life and some of the most frustrating, in reality we have to constantly keep learning and developing our skills to produce a quality experience for those we come in contact with.
Name: John Mills
Workshop titles:
A Guide to Mentoring Sports Coaches
Analysing Your Coaching
Coaching Children and Young People
Equity in Your Coaching
Positive Behaviour Management in Sport
Safeguarding and Protecting Children
Safeguarding and Protecting Children 2
Safeguarding and Protecting Children 16-18
About me: I’m currently employed as Coaching, Education and Development Director for British Cycling. Previous employment includes: Senior Lecturer in Sports Coaching at Sunderland University, Head of Recreation at the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne and Financial Management.
The best thing about being a sports coach UK tutor: I enjoy working with people of all abilities and from all backgrounds who share a passion for coaching and developing sport.
My sport: I work full time for British Cycling but have an interest in most sports.
My philosophy: Always try to be the best you can.
Sporting heroes: Too numerous to mention!
Name: Jackie Newton
Workshop titles:
Safeguarding and Protecting Children
Positive Behaviour Management
Coaching the Whole Child
Coaching the Young Developing Performer
About me: Qualified teacher. Taught in UK and Australia 1987 – 2001. Represented Great Britain in marathon and half marathon 1997. Now work as a running consultant for PUMA UK and UKA
The best thing about being a sports coach UK tutor: Sharing ideas, experience and knowledge with like-minded people.
My sport: Athletics and running
My philosophy: Have a go!
Sporting hero: Paula Radcliffe
Name: Gianni Epifani
Workshop titles:
Safeguarding and Protecting Children
Safeguarding and Protecting Children 16-18
Equity in Your Coaching
Coaching Children and Young People
About me: Development Officer, employed by the Isle of Man Government through Manx Sport and Recreation, I have been in this role for 10 years.
My background is competing and coaching in athletics and road and time trial cycling, through these sports and professionally I have been working with young people in different capacities for over 20 years.
Leaving my first career, as an engineer, and then gaining a sports studies degree from Staffordshire University, I was fortunate to return the Isle of Man and after periods of working as a lifeguard and gym instructor, I was appointed the Islands sports development officer in 1998, from a team of two, we have now grown to a team of 12, including a number of sport specific officers, funded through both private and public sector funding.
Through no specific planning, I took on responsibilities of ensuring our holiday and term time activities were safe, this included setting up child protection training, using sports coach UK. Identifying a need for a point of contact, and a specific named person, to fit in with our initial child protection plans and procedures, I took on the role, which also led to me becoming a sports coach UK tutor.
Since 2003, over 600 coaches, officials, parents and volunteers have attended Safeguarding and Protecting Children workshops, our Unit has set up a coaches association, part of the joining criteria is that all coaches must have attended Safeguarding and Protecting Children and Equity in Your Coaching workshops. We have in place a 18 month rolling coach education programme, which offers sport coach UK every 12 weeks, to facilitate these we now have 6 tutors based on the Island.
Professionally, I spend a significant amount of time working with our local associations and clubs ensuring they have working safeguarding policies and procedures in place.
The best thing about being a sports coach UK tutor: For me its engaging with coaches, volunteers, etc who have a passion for their sport and want to ensure that young people have a safe and positive experience when taking part in sport. It still amazes me how much time coaches, volunteers etc are prepared to put in to ensure their sports moves in the right direction, and working with these people is a pleasure.
My sport: Running, cycling, duathlons are sports that I compete in, sit on committees and help organise events. I also work closely with the Isle of Man Boxing Association, a sport that is close to my heart.
My philosophy: Try, fail and try again
Sporting hero: Too many to mention really, Steve Cram was a big influence on me as a young athlete, but anyone who has overcome adversity to reach the very top of their sport.
Name: Ian Fawcett
Workshop titles:
Safeguarding and Protecting Children
Safeguarding and Protecting Children 2
Equity in Your Coaching
Analysing Your Coaching
An Introduction to the FUNdamentals of Movement
Coaching Children and Young People
FUNdamentals of Agility
FUNdamentals of Balance
FUNdamentals of Coordination
Positive Behaviour Management
A Guide to Mentoring Sports Coaches
About me: I have been a Ski Coach for the last 30 years and am currently the Coaching Director for Snowsport Wales. I have also been a teacher and until recently Deputy Head Teacher at a large comprehensive school for a similar amount of time. I taught Geography and Psychology up to and including A level. For the last 18 months I have been a self employed Coach and Education Consultant and am particularly interested in Learning Outside the Classroom and Learning to Learn.
The best thing about being a sports coach UK tutor: The opportunity to meet so many enthusiastic coaches and volunteers from such a wide variety of sports.
My sport: Although I only coach Alpine Skiing my sport encompasses a great many areas from Snow Boarding to Cross Country to Ski Jumping and more. I came into skiing from more general mountaineering and I first learned to ski on a glacier in Spitzbergen as we were using skis to cross the ice-cap to get to the climbing, (this is not a method I would recommend to anyone but when there are crevasses in the way you quickly learn to turn!).
I have climbed throughout Europe and have visited the Arctic on a number of expeditions. On one of these we kayaked in the far north west of Greenland with the Polar Inuit.
My final sporting interest is in Paragliding which I have participated in for a number of years, although not so much recently given the UK weather. I competed in the British Paragliding Cup for a few years where my best placing in a round was 5th.
My philosophy: Don’t let your time be wasted. If you want a learning philosophy – make it fun.
Sporting heroes: I don’t really do heroes but there are a number of athletes I admire. Paula Radcliffe is pretty high up there on my list as is Sir Steve Redgrave. If I go back a good few years I was also a big fan of Dave Bedford. In the climbing world I have a lot of time for those who quietly get out there and get on with it like Mick Fowler and Doug Scott. There are too many high achievers to mention every one so this is only a flavour.
Name: Clive Harvey
Workshop titles:
Inclusive Coaching: Disability
An Introduction to Long-term Athlete Development
Equity in Your Coaching
How to Coach Disabled People in Sport
About me: I am currently a senior lecturer in higher education (at University of Chester) mainly teaching aspects of sports and exercise physiology to sports coaching, sport development and fitness and health students. I have been working in higher education for over 15 years following time in schools and further education. My interest in sports tutoring began about 10 years ago and was complimentary to work at that time involving professional sports clubs/performers. Whatever role I’m involved with the motivating factor is trying to make a relevant contribution to future sports leaders/coaches, sport educators and those involved in promoting sports opportunities in any/all ways.
The best thing about being a sports coach UK tutor: Having the opportunity to work with community sports coaches, sports leaders/volunteers, sport development professionals, professional athletes, serious amateurs, sports scientists, teachers and other sports coach UK tutors. At times this can be tiring after a full day with students, but it is always challenging, stimulating and enjoyable.
My sport: As an ageing participant I still enjoy a reasonable level of performance in a range of outdoor activities including, fell-running, climbing, skiing. The spirit is willing and the flesh just about holding up! In my professional work I use a wide variety of sports/sporting activities as a vehicle to stimulate understanding, insight and learning.
My philosophy: The most interesting and exciting thing is possibly around the next corner. Provided you don’t walk into a lamppost on the way.
Sporting hero: People who I admire most in sport are those that make a difference in their club or community. Every time I meet someone inspirational in community sport I have a candidate ‘hero or heroine’ of the week.
Name: David Lees
Workshop titles:
Safeguarding and Protecting Children
Safeguarding and Protecting Children 2
Analysing Your Coaching
About me: A retired Greater Manchester Police Officer, currently working as a Security Management Specialist within the NHS. I have my own training company which offers Conflict Resolution Training Workshops to Local Authorities. A Level 111 Cricket Coach, ECB Tutor & Assessor. Recently achieved the Level 3 Internal Verification In Sporting Practices Award.
The best thing about being a sports coach UK tutor: Spreading my sporting knowledge and experiences and challenging coaches to improve their delivery.
My sport: My sports are cricket and the last two summers has been the professional at Droylsden Cricket Club in the Saddleworth League. A member of the MCC has toured New Zealand, USA, West Africa, Germany, Croatia, Spain and Gibraltar.
A keen swimmer my favourite gadget is the Speedo iPod and my favourite App on my iphone is the Nike+GPS.
My philosophy: If you always do what you’ve always done, you will always get what you’ve always got. I try to improve my sessions by spending time self reflecting.
Sporting hero: Sir Ian Botham
Name: Jan Turley
Workshop titles:
Safeguarding and Protecting Children
Safeguarding and Protecting Children 2
Safeguarding and Protecting Children 16-18
Coaching Children and Young People
Multi-Skill Clubs in Practice
Multi-Skills Induction
Multi-Skills Inclusion
Analysing Your Coaching
An Introduction to Long-term Athlete Development
An Introduction to FUNdamentals of Movement
FUNdamentals of Agility
FUNdamentals of Balance
FUNdamentals of Coordination
About me: Currently a self employed consultant in Physical Education, Coaching and Sports Development. How did I get here? I initially trained a PE teacher, taught for 13 years and then left to study for an M Ed. I became a trainer in the police, then a lecturer in FE before moving into sports development. I was a Netball Development officer, a regional development officer for sports coach UK and an Active Sports manager.
The best thing about being a sports coach UK tutor: I enjoy meeting with other coaches and particularly coaches from other sports, sharing similar experiences and learning about the differences between sports. I enjoy facilitating groups and encouraging them to learn from each others’ experiences.
My sport: My sport is netball and have coached, played and umpired for 30 plus years. I have coached all age ranges (6 – 50+) and all abilities (beginner to national youth squad players).
My philosophy: Help people to be the best they want to be.
Sporting heroes: Mary Peters – really flew the flag for female athletics at a time when there were very few high profile female athletes around. Sir Steve Redgrave – sheer determination and stubborness should not be underestimated!
Name: Jayne Lee
Workshop titles:
Safeguarding and Protecting Children
Equity in Your Coaching
About me: I only got into coaching as I turned 30 and enjoyed the volunteering I committed to at my local swimming club and having been a competivie swimmer at a younger age swimming was the obvious choice for me. Since then I went on to achieve my level 3 in coaching and went from strength to strength with the support of my mentor, and I have a range of experience from teaching to swim to coaching swimmers at regional level.
I have for the last 6 years worked full time in sport and worked developing coaches starting as a mentor, and now I am currently the Coach Development Manager for Lancashire Sport Partnership and in doing this role, and my gained experience from coaching, it has lead me to the road of tutoring.
My sport: I do still swim as choice of exercise and I love circuit training and cycling.
Top motivations and tips for tutoring: I have a passion for seeing people develop and the confidence they gain in themselves, and there is nothing more satisfying that watching someone achieve their goals whether that’s in coaching their sport in their personal life.
Top motivations and tips for coaching: Challenge yourself more at every opportunity and don’t be afraid to try something new. The head coach at the club I volunteered at pushed me into doing my level 3. I didn’t think I could do it and I was scared I wouldn’t achieve it, but he had the faith and belief in me that I could – since then I challenge myself on everything I do and that includes my personal life!
Quote: Think you can and you will – Think you can't and you won't!
Name: Lenny Barry
Workshop title: Safeguarding and Protecting Children
About me: A civil servant by day, and a volleyball enthusiast all the time. Volleyball is the third largest sport in the world, just not in the UK! A very enjoyable, dynamic, participative, flexible and inclusive sport, we just need more people playing. I played at school and university, graduated into coaching whilst at the University of Glasgow and continued. Am an FIVB International Level II coach, have coached in National League Div 1 in both Scotland and England, coached representative teams and now put more back in as a Volleyball England Staff Tutor on UKCC Coaching Courses.
The best thing about being a sports coach UK tutor: The people you meet on the workshops - the amount of time, effort, energy that they put into their sports, their clubs, their athletes' enjoyment and development - it is humbling and inspiring.
My sport: Volleyball
My philosophy: Help people play, help those who want to get better.
Sporting hero: Henrik Larsson - a Celtic legend, a complete footballer, unassuming, modest and also showed his abilities with Barcelona & Man U.
Name: Brian Barton
Workshop titles:
Safeguarding and Protecting Children
Safeguarding and Protecting Children 2: Reflecting on Practice
About me: I am retired from full time employment and now more involved in tutoring and coaching. My previous employer was British Cycling where initially I was a manager in their World Class Start Programme and moved on to roles where I became the Lead Child Protection Officer and the Anti-Doping Officer.
The best thing about being a sports coach UK tutor: Continually learning from the diverse groups of people who attend the courses.
My sport: Cycling
Name: Paul Connolly
Workshop titles:
Safeguarding and Protecting Children
How to Coach Disabled People in Sport
A Guide to Mentoring Sports Coaches
Analysing Your Coaching
An Introduction to the FUNdamentals of Movement
An Introduction to Long-Term Athlete Development
Coaching Children and Young People
Coaching the Young Developing Performer
Equity in Your Coaching
About me: My approach is based on a person centered counsellor, this has influenced my qualification as a Sport Psychologist. I have experience with the factors involved in dealing with elite performers with their lifestyle patterns from my football, cricket experiences and various sport performers clients.
I have worked on a Sports Psychology consultancy basis with Manchester City FC, Lancashire Cricket Club, including the first team and academy players. In this capacity I have been instrumental in building the management group that consists of the Sports Science team, Academy coaches, First team Coaches and members of the committee.
I have worked in the Premier League and also work with clients from a variety of sports including golf, athletics, netball, bodybuilding and football.
In my role at sports coach UK as Network Manager in Yorkshire and Humber/North East, I support the National Governing Bodies of sport and the County Sports Partnerships to meet the needs of coaching delivery in the regions. I also support work in Northern Ireland and the Aspire/Inspire Talent Coach programme.
My ability to both listen carefully and express my ideas has been an ongoing development during my sixteen years experience in the care sector and now in sport/physical activity. In addition, this skill has been essential to the teamwork in which I am involved, and in my work with staff development, relationships with the general public, clients and other professional agencies. I enjoy listening to others' opinions, I am committed to equal opportunities, which I consider to be essential, and also feel confident in expressing my own ideas.
My experience in the private sector, public sector and voluntary sector has enabled me to utilise my skills, enabling me to adapt to the changes and challenges which have arisen during the last twenty years. This flexibility has enabled me to prioritise my own work to develop strategies and to implement these plans to provide focus and direction, which individuals can quickly adopt and re-create to their own specifications.
Name: Sergio Lara-Bercial
Workshop titles:
An Introduction to Long Term Athlete Development
Analysing Your Coaching
A Guide To Mentoring Sports Coaches
An Introduction to the FUNdamentals of Movement
FUNdamentals of Agility
FUNdamentals of Balance
FUNdamentals of Coordination
Positive Behaviour Management in Sport
Coaching the Whole Child
About me:
- A qualified physio, I strayed off the path and decided to go into coaching full time becoming a community coach initially but progressing quickly towards high performance coaching in my base sport of basketball. Never looked back.
- I have coached children from 3 years of age to Senior International Basketball. I currently coach a group of under 7 basketball players, an under 7 rugby union squad and am an assistant coach for the Manchester Magic Men’s Senior Squad
- I am a Senior Research Fellow for the International Council for Coaching Excellence based at Leeds Metropolitan University
- I hung up my boots in 2004 after 20 years of playing basketball. I currently enjoy running and I have completed 3 marathons since 2010.
- My main areas of expertise are children’s coaching, high performance coaching and mentoring.
Top motivations and tips for tutoring: I love spending time with other coaches. Really enjoy the exchange of information between like-minded people and hopefully contributing to enhancing it through my tutoring.
Top motivations and tips for coaching: You have to enjoy what you do. If you don’t, then you probably shouldn’t be doing it. You have to find what kind of coaching you enjoy doing and give it your best. Not everyone has to do everything.
