As a coach I believe that ‘nothing is impossible’, but sometimes, in order to achieve ones goals, we all need some extra help along the way.
My background is in participation and competition in a variety of sports, ranging from football, rugby, hockey, badminton and tennis at school, county and regional level, to golf at national and international level. Whilst not being a naturally gifted athlete, my passion for sport and drive to be the best I can be, has opened up many opportunities and has greatly influenced both who I am and my attitude that, “life should have no limits!”
My involvement in cycling began in 2008 when I joined my local club, One and All Cycling, and that, as they say, was that. The enthusiasm passion and support of the club members quickly made me reconsider my previous triathlon ambitions and to realise that for me, road racing was the way forward.
While studying for a foundation degree in Sports Coaching and Therapy, and coaching football at local after school activity clubs I completed the Level 2 British Cycling Coaches Course. During 2009 I acted as a volunteer coach for the rapidly expanding One and All Cycling Club and went on to gain the Level 2 British Cycling Road and Time Trial qualification course to extend my skills and knowledge in this area.
Currently I am undertaking my Level 3 British Cycling Road and Time Trial certificate, the highest level of accreditation it is currently possible to achieve as a club coach. I also continue to work as a volunteer coach with all members of One and All Cycling, helping younger riders to progress up the performance pyramid and into British Cycling’s Talent sessions, whilst also taking a keen interest in increasing participation in cycling at grass roots level.
In 2009 I received the award of South West Volunteer Club Coach of the Year from British Cycling and in 2010 was asked to coach and manage the SW Youth Team at both the UK School Games and the Inter-Regional Track Championships. It was a privilege to work with such a committed group of young riders and I hope to be involved with this team for many years to come. At the end of 2010 I was nominated for the award of “Participation Coach of the Year,” at the 2010 Cornwall Sports Partnership Awards evening.
In June 2010 I graduated from the University of Plymouth with a 1st class BSc (Hons) Degree in Sports Performance and Coaching. This qualification, supported by my cycling coaching qualifications, equips me with the knowledge and experience needed to help individuals to achieve their cycling ambitions or goals, whatever they may be.
As a competitive cyclist I currently compete at a National level and hope to continue my development into a top class rider at the highest level possible. I hold a 2nd category racing licence and in the 2010 season scored a total of 190 points, finishing in 4th place in the National Standings for all 2nd category licence holders. The highlight of this, my first full season of competitive road racing, was winning the SW Ladies Road Race and becoming SW Ladies Road Race Champion.
The 2011 season didn’t go quite as well as the year before and unfotunately was cut short in June when after experiencing persistent muscle and joint pain in the early season races I was to find out that I had hip impingment which would need surgical intervention to repair. Since this diagnosis I have had one operation which seems to have gone quite well and am now in February 2012 waiting for a date to get the other side sorted. After this is all done I hope to get back to racing again and to better form than the 2010 season.
In the meantime I’ve had plenty of time to concentrate on growing and developing F1 Coaching, plannning, launching and coaching the One and All Youth Academy in November 2011 and am still involved as team coach for the SW Youth Team. Most recently I also received my 2nd Award at the Annual British Cycling Awards Dinner in recognition of my work as club coach for One and All Cycling/Bike Chain-Ricci.
On the academic front I am now studying for a part-time Masters Degree in the Environment and Human Health which is run by the European Centre for the Environment and Human Health (ECEHH) based at the Knowledge Spa, Treliske Hospital, Truro. This MSc programme really complements the work I do through F1 Coaching and in particular feeds my interest in outdoor activity and it’s impact on health and wellbeing.
In my own sporting journey I have been subjected to both the highs and lows along the road to sporting success. These experiences have shaped my attitude to coaching and give me, I feel, the ability to relate to every individual that I coach.
Qualifications
BSc (Hons) First Class Degree in Sports Performance and Coaching
Nutrition for Health (Success Course) Plymouth University
Level 2 British Cycling Coach
Level 2 British Cycling Road and Time Trial Coach
Level 3 British Cycling Road and Time Trial Coach
Sports Coach UK Safeguarding and Protecting Children
Sports Coach UK Equity in Your Coaching
Emergency First Aid
Power Plate L1 Academy Instructor
FA Level 1 Football Coach
Association of British Cycling Coaches Associate Member
British Cycling Regional Road Race Commissaire
National Standards Cycle Training Instructor
Awards
British Cycling Club Coach Volunteer Award 2011
British Cycling Club Coach Volunteer Award 2009
