Kerry Newell: An athletics coach passing on her knowledge to the next generation
Kerry Newell took her first steps into coaching with the Leadership in Running Fitness (LiRF) course, she has since progressed through the coaching pathway and is now actively involved with coach development alongside England Athletics. We caught up with her at a recent club visit to Cirencester AC to find out more about her coaching journey and invaluable advice for new coaches.
Coaching in an athletics club
As a youth athlete Kerry was a keen middle distance runner, a passion that she has carried forward to her coaching career. Her commitment extends beyond individual athletes, as she has played a vital role in establishing and nurturing running clubs across her local area.
“When I was leading an athletics group, we got asked to setup another athletics/running group. It then snowballed into quite a few different running groups around Gloucestershire and supporting other people in the South West that wanted little running clubs set up.”
Having been involved in coaching at many different clubs across the South West, including Cirencester AC, Kerry understands that there are many benefits for athletes to join their local athletics club.
Find your local club“You get to be coached by people who know what they're doing. But the main benefit is to have some fun and try out all the different events. So, all the different jumping, throwing and running events. It is important to be with other athletes as well and make friends and have a good time.”
Advice for new athletics coaches
Drawing from her own successful progression, Kerry emphasises the importance for new coaches to get involved in their local athletics clubs. Making the most of the opportunity this brings to learn from more experienced coaches.
“As a new coach starting out, I would suggest that you just start volunteering at the local athletics club. It's a really important way to get involved."
Building on this foundation, Kerry emphasises the importance of continuous learning: “And I think then complete your LiRF, Coach in Running Fitness (CiRF), Coaching Assistant, or Athletics Coach qualifications. Then start looking around at other coaches, asking them if you can watch their sessions and start learning from them.”
Supporting with coach development
Throughout her coaching career, many individuals have supported Kerry on her coaching journey to help build her confidence and answer questions that have guided her growth.
“When I started my LiRF course, Peg Wiseman was a really nice role model for me. Another lady who I do aspire to be more like is Charlotte Fisher in the South West, who believed in me as a female coach. Another is Mark Brace, who was always very supportive of me and whenever I had a question, no matter how stupid I thought it was, he would say no it's not, just keep asking those questions. They were really nice people in the beginning that supported me.
“Since then, Tom Craggs, Richard Ayling, Hayley Hemmings and Jo Wilkinson have all been tremendously supportive of my coaching. When I thought maybe I don't have the confidence to do it they've been there to support me.”
Kerry understands how important the support of others is as an athletics coach, which inspired her to get involved in coach development with England Athletics. Allowing her to pass on her knowledge to the next generation of coaches.
“Last weekend I was at Bath University with a Coaching Assistant course and there were quite a few 16–17-year-olds on that course and they were just so hungry to learn more and keen. They were a really, really fun bunch and it was totally inspiring.”
Helping masters athletes to thrive
Alongside these roles, Kerry is also a dedicated team coach as part of the England masters programme. This programme of qualification and representative events provides opportunities for those aged over 35 to compete within their age group to earn an England vest.
“The England Masters programme is just growing and growing and growing. It's absolutely phenomenal at the moment, so it's so inspiring seeing all these Vet 35 upwards, attaining England vests and competing for England. It's been amazing.
“I was just asked to come on board and be a team coach for the England masters programme and just support those runners. Our job as team coaches is to make sure that the athletes have got whatever they need and they're having a good time and they feel supported and encouraged.”
Kerry’s journey, from an enthusiastic young runner to an influential coach developer, demonstrates the rewarding coaching pathways available within England Athletics. Her dedication to nurturing both athletes and aspiring coaches, coupled with her passion for the sport, demonstrates a coach that is keenly invested in our athletics at all levels.