Athletics/Running Coaching

Covering the Elmbridge and Runnymede area in Surrey, South West London, we offer high quality running, fitness and athletics coaching to young people.

 Both Neil Keirs and I are England Athletics’ level 2 qualified coaches and are both currently working in schools. I am a deputy headteacher and Neil is a quaified sports coach and mentor. Together we offer a wealth of knowledge, skills experience and expertise. We both hold enhanced DBS certificates and first aid qualifications and I am a designated safeguarding lead.

We currently offer the following opportunities:

  • Weekly running groups held at Cleves School on a Monday and Wednesday (4.30 to 5.15pm). The primary focus of these sessions is an enjoyment of physical activity and running in particular. We tend to focus more on longer distance in the winter months (2-3km) and shorter distance in the summer but all year round we provide a mix of speed and endurance sessions, building and developing the key components and fitness. There are opportunities to compete in a range of competitions throughout the year including cross country, sportshall athletics and quad kids competitions but these are not compulsory and there is no expectation or pressure to do so. Many of the existing group come along to help benefit their other sports such as football and hockey and this fits very much within the aims of the sessions. We maintain a balance of keeping the sessions fun but with an emphasis and expectation of working hard. In each session we focus on developing good form and technique and an understanding of what good and efficient running looks like.  Finally, we recognise the importance of building the fundamentals of movement so will include throwing and jumping activities into the sessions as well as some strength and conditioning work. Please don't hesitate to contact me to find out more!
  • Weekly Strength and Conditioning Sessions. Held in the sports hall at Cleves School on a Friday afternoon, these sessions focus on developing the key components of fitness. The sessions consist of a range of drills, activities and excercises all to loud music! 
  • Small group and 1:1 sessions including fully training plans. A more bespoke option, offering the above but at a more personalised level. As part of this, we offer specific 8 week mesocycle training plans and goals as well as developing a wider understanding of diet and all round strength and conditioning work - all age appropriate of course. 
  • Technique analysis including use of video - a one off session lasting around an hour where a full assessment of running form and technique is undertaken. This results in a full individualised report and technique goals for the young person to work on. The use of video closely examines technique making it very visual and hopefully beneficial for the athlete.
  • Specific training runs, routes and terrains - specific training in a range of terrains including uphill and downhill running as well as set running routes to help prepare for competition. This can be indiviudal or small group.

 

Most importantly, we welcome young people of all abilities - all we ask for is an enthusiasm and interest in running and sport more widely.

If you are interested in finding out more, please email me - [email protected] or call/message me on 07740 336161

Craig Smith

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