Two young athletics coaches being celebrated for their incredible impact 

The UK Coaching Awards aim to recognise the invaluable role that coaches play in building a happier and healthier society. This year, it is great that two athletics coaches have been shortlisted in the Young Coach of the Year category: Dylan Lockyer and Alex Wilson. We caught up with them both to find out more about their coaching journeys. 

How mentorship shapes young coaches 

Alex explained that many people have helped shape the coach he is today. From his friends and family, to coaches in Sheffield, to coaches from other sports - the support they have provided to him as a young coach is invaluable 

“My biggest support and mentor has to be John Wood - he has taken time out of his day on countless occasions to chat, to ring me back when I needed advice or had doubts or simply wanted to pick his brain.  

“I can't tell you how important it is as a coach, young or old, to build yourself a fantastic support network and have people around you. Everyone needs that! 

“But my coaching style and passion to get into coaching has also been inspired by some fantastic coaches I was fortunate to have growing up, as a junior in other sports. As a coach you 'pick out the gold' from other coaches and apply that into your own practice and sport.”  

Having started coaching athletics at Impact Athletics Club to help him achieve the best grade he could in his Sports Coaching and Development course, Dylan agreed that guidance and understanding from other coaches has moulded his development as a young coach. 

“From day one, the more senior coaches at the club recognised I thrived with responsibility and challenge. The coaches took time to understand me and what I wanted out of coaching and the athletics in general. They have tailored the way they work with me and use my skillset to get the most out of me and therefore, develop the experience for those I am coaching.” 

The challenges and benefits of being a young coach 

There are specific strengths that Alex and Dylan can bring to our sport as young coaches, but also challenges for them to overcome. Alex described one of the benefits he has discovered, 

“I think one of the biggest benefits I've found is that when I first started, athletes knew I could relate to them, whether it was about the sport, exams, or about issues in school. I have experienced all those feelings more recently and was able to resonate with those things and the athletes themselves.” 

It can sometimes be difficult as a new coach - of any age - to find your place, but Alex received some advice from his university lecturer to overcome this barrier:

“One of the best things I heard my lecturer say, and it has stayed with me: every coach makes mistakes, whether they are at the elite level and have been for years or just starting out their coaching journey. Yes, some mistakes may be bigger as a new coach, or feel like you've messed everything up, but you haven't. If you learn from them then you're fine, you're developing and improving!” 

Having never been an athlete himself, Dylan experienced imposter syndrome when he first started coaching, but he has worked with his support network to overcome this. 

“Through the help of my fellow coaches, being proactive in researching what I don't know and having the humility to accept when I need guidance, I have been able to develop my knowledge and skills.” 

Alex also experienced this when coaching an athlete at a championships for the first time. He again emphasised the importance of coaching mentors in being able to grow in confidence in new situations outside of his comfort zone. 

“After speaking to my mentors and other coaches, I know everyone feels like that. They just don't all show it, some hide it better than others. But that was reassuring to me as a coach and helped me believe in myself that I belong in coaching and I am doing things right. I am just feeling exactly what others are.” 

What it means to be named as Young Coach of the Year finalists  

It is a great achievement for both Dylan and Alex to be shortlisted as finalists for Young Coach of the Year at this year’s UK Coaching Awards. Alex summed up what it meant to him, 

“It's the realisation of the impact and difference you bring to people's lives. Sometimes it's hard to fathom that, but you are a part of that person's development and you do impact how they will be as an individual in years to come. You could be inspiring someone now to go and do something amazing in the sport or outside of it without even realising it yet! That for me is the best part.” 

Have you been inspired to give coaching a go? 

It’s inspiring to hear about the great impact that these coaches are having, so if you are considering exploring coaching for the first time then here is some advice from Alex and Dylan. 

Dylan’s advice is, 

“Coaching from a young age opens up another avenue in which people can stay involved within the sport. It is also a valuable and enjoyable way to give back to the sporting community and teaches young people how their efforts can not only benefit themselves, but can also impact the experiences of others. 

“The one and only part of my coaching journey so far I regret is not starting sooner. The best time to plant a tree was 50 years ago, the next best time is now.” 

Alex’s advice is, 

“GO FOR IT! That's the short and sweet answer! 

“If you can spare the time in your week to coach, then do it, you won't regret it. It's the most amazing feeling working with people, going on a unique journey together and achieving incredible goals.” 

If you have been inspired by Alex and Dylan to give coaching a go, then we have lots of upcoming courses to help you take your first step.