| Barry is currently a level 3 performance coach working mainly with a small group of younger athletes, who are focused on middle distance and endurance events. The majority of these feature well in the Power of Ten rankings and they are supported by more mature athletes who are also developing their performances and featuring well in the rankings. Included in the group, alongside the younger members, are athletes who have featured in English Schools finals, as well as talented junior 1500 steeple-chasers, 3k, 5k and 10k road and track runners.
Although the middle distance/endurance athletes are the 'nucleus' of the group, other sprint and hurdle athletes receive support, advice and encouragement from Barry. These, again, include athletes who feature well in the Power of Ten rankings and include talented 100 metre and 400 metre hurdlers who have gained representative honours and featured in English Schools finals. Whilst working with some of these athletes, Barry has had the opportunity, on a number of occasions, to spend time with Malcom Arnold and his group of athletes at Bath University, utilising this experience to build on his knowledge and understanding of the development of elite athletes.
Barry first started coaching in the late 1980's at the now defunct Stainforth Athletic Club (a fore-runner to Doncaster AC) and qualified as a Club Coach in Middle Distance and Hurdles, working closely alongside Brad McStravick and the late Arthur Oxley. These two personalities were influential in progressing his coaching work and qualifications. But other commitments in the mid 1990's, one being to spend time and energy on bringing the superb facilities and one track and field club to Doncaster, meant he took a break from his focus as a coach until the move to the Keepmoat Stadium in January 2006.
Since returning to focus on his role as a coach, Barry has become influential in the development of coaching in the region, as a member of the Local Network Coach Development team. He is on the National Coach Development Programme, mentored by leading National Coach Brian Scobie. Barry values the contact he has with Brian and his input is having a major impact on the success of Barry's group of athletes. As a result of the programme and Brian's influence, he has been able to engage with elite athletes and coaches (Dave Sunderland, George Candy etc.) and draw on their knowledge and experiences, passing this on to the members of his group of athletes. The programme has also enabled him to forge close links with support services that are accessed for the benefit of the those he works with.
With a keen interest in all aspects of athlete development, particularly Nutrition and Psychology, Barry is continually seeking opportunities in which to develop the different parts of his role as a coach. As a result he has built some close links with coaches and Sport Practitioners in America, Canada and Australia, recognising the benefits their input has on those athletes he works with. |