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My Coaching Story: James Andrew

My name is James Andrew. I first got involved in athletics about three years ago. I was really interested in trying to take it further so I approached Jarrow and Hebburn, my local club, and started to go to club nights on a regular basis. It wasn’t long before I was hooked.

Shortly after this, I started to do some volunteering with Gateshead Council and during that time I began a course at Gateshead College for Sport. I was enjoying it so much that I wanted to give something back. It was then that I heard about the Tony Blair Sports Foundation and how I could get more qualifications with them providing I would commit some time to volunteering. This seemed too good to be true!

Within a year I was granted my Level 1 Athletics coaching qualification which was 50% funded by the Tony Blair Sports Foundation. I used my qualification to help and support other Level 2 coaches who were part of the Startrack program for kids, a project set up to provide young people with activities during the school holidays. I have now been involved as a volunteer with Startrack for two years. More recently, I have started working with Gateshead Council by coaching on their multi-events academy on Monday evenings and I also help out and coach at Ceaders Sports School for the disabled.

Through my volunteering commitments and work with the Tony Blair Sports Foundation I am now progressing to gain my Level 2 coaching qualification in athletics. Its a fantastic way to learn, help others and progress. The Foundation has really helped me and I would encourage anyone to do the same. Get involved!