How we organise coaching at BMHAC – from beginners to advanced, sprints to road running.
The Club has over 30 coaches who work in groups led by England Athletics qualified Athletics Coaches. They adhere to the UK Athletics Code of Practice emphasising Accountability, Integrity, Quality, Communication and Respect.
Club training sessions are held at the Down Grange track on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 6–8pm and on Sundays from 10am–12noon. Some groups hold sessions on other days.
Athletics can be a hazardous sport, particularly on the track, therefore it is vital that athletes obey coaches’ instructions.
Two beginners’ groups introduce young people to running, jumping and throwing before progressing to more discipline-focused training.
Lead Coaches: Cheryll Ragan & Liz Flitcroft
Assistant Coaches: Jez Clarke
Beginners’ group for school years 3–5. Offers wide range of running activities including sprints, long distance, intervals, hill runs and relays. Introduces vortex throw (mini javelin) and long jump. Most sessions on grass.
Lead Coach: Sue Pett
Assistant Coaches: Julie Yates
Secondary school age introduction to sprints, middle distance and long jump before moving to established training groups.
Focus on middle distance and endurance running with winter emphasis on cross-country races. Relays important in Autumn and Spring. Most training on grass; some on track. Key sessions Tuesday and Thursday evenings with weekend sessions varying by season.
Lead Coaches: Leigh Henderson & Sue Pett
Assistant Coach: Jason Sutton
Jason coaches athletes 11–16 not ready for higher intensity training.
Lead Coaches: Jo Breeds & Dave Ragan
Assistant Coach: Caroline Slimin
Athletes 11–16 with joint training sessions; some may join older groups by progress.
Lead Coach: Leigh Henderson
Assistant Coach: Donna Mulholland
Lead Coach: Ian Byett
Assistant Coach: Steve Ladhams
Ages 16+ focusing on cross country and 800m–3000m track.
Lead Coach: Dave Ragan
Male athletes 16+ focusing on track distances to 5000m with cross country preparation.
Lead Coach: Rod Finch
Assistant Coach: Tracey Joseph
Emphasis on 400m–5000m track, half marathon, marathon and cross country.
Lead Coaches: Pete Bolton & Andy Sleap
Assistant Coaches: Lisa Hedderly, Neil Barton & Karen Jakes
Teaches basic sprinting technique and starts for 50–400m. Track and grass training with conditioning in winter.
Lead Coaches: John & Debbie Davis
Ages 14+ for 100/200/400m events, developing acceleration, maximum velocity and speed endurance with emphasis on technical progression and movement skills.
Lead Coach: Ben Hazell
Wide ability range offering competitive but fun sessions developing speed, speed endurance and training knowledge.
Lead Coach: Andy Sleap
Athletes train in range of disciplines for multi-events or adding events to repertoire. Tuesday/Thursday track and grass; additional Monday/Wednesday evenings plus weekend sessions for hurdles, jumps and throws. Regular winter attendance essential for technical work.
Lead Coach: Rafer Joseph
High competitive standard adult group with strong emphasis on jumps and throws.
Lead Coach: Deborah Montgomery
Assistants: Scott Addington & Aimee Slimin
Secondary school age and above, beginners to competitive level. Tuesday: Shot & Discus; Thursday: Javelin; Saturday: Invitation-only Hammer and Discus from cage. Winter includes conditioning and technical drills.
Lead Coaches: Terry Wegg, Don Powell, Ray Gartland, Andy Cullen, Andy Goddard, Jenny Froud & Michael Hickey
Mixed adult group of all ages and abilities. Focus on road and trail running 5k to marathon and beyond. Also cross country, fell and hill racing.
Road training sessions: Tuesday and Thursday evenings with daytime sessions available. Track sessions Saturdays March–September.
Led by: Terry Wegg & Andy Goddard
18-week training schedule December to April.
At Year 6, athletes move to one of the 11–16 specialised training groups. Sprints and middle-distance coaches work collaboratively to review athletes regularly, ensuring optimal training environment by coaches’ and athletes’ assessment. Occasionally coaches recommend group changes, always discussed with athletes and parents.
No move is necessarily permanent. If unhappy, athletes should speak to their coach or Coaching Co-ordinator (Leigh Henderson).
Please note: all members are required to compete for the Club at least twice yearly unless the coach deems good reasons otherwise.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or experienced athlete, our friendly and supportive club welcomes runners, jumpers and throwers of all ages and abilities.
