All Inclusive
Whether you’re 80 or 8, age is but a number when it comes to moving your body and exercising your mind. Meet the coaches motivating teens, empowering kids, and strengthening adults.
Nick Ronald, 69, is volunteer Head Coach at Dittons Skiff and Punting Club, Thames Ditton.
We’re a club for all ages
We have a strong junior section (ages 10-18) and our oldest active members are in their 80s. There are many benefits, from exercise, to stimulating the mind, gaining friendships and being part of a club. It’s my role to help everyone get the most out of the sport whatever their age or ability.
I enjoy seeing those I coach develop
Not only in skiffing, but as individuals. To see people grow in confidence and form strong bonds with others in the sessions or with whom they race is very satisfying. Especially last year when those I coached help bring home the annual trophy!
There is a positive energy to the river
On cold, wet or grey days it can be a struggle to motivate yourself to get out on the boat. However, once on the water, the mind clears and I come back refreshed whatever the conditions. Being on the Thames in a traditional boat is an invigorating experience.
If I’m not coaching, I’m organising social events
We have a great social scene at Dittons. Whether it’s organised events in the clubroom, enjoying tea and cake after training, or helping with boat maintenance, all the members get involved. It’s essential for the continuation of our long-term success.
@dittonsskiffpunting
dittons.org.uk
Wayne Martin, is founder and Head Coach of Spartans Basketball Academy in Kingston and has been a coach for 20 years.
Spartans is more than a Basketball Academy
We’re a family, cultivating a sense of belonging and cohesiveness. Our focus is to create an inclusive and empowering environment while actively making a difference to children, providing a space where they can feel part of something special.
Sport is a fulfilling, beneficial outlet for kids, especially teens
Basketball is about resilience and perseverance, as in life, you’ll have good days and bad days, losses and wins. To push through takes grit and determination. Seeing the positive impact basketball has for our players is fantastic. I feel very privileged to be part of that journey.
I’m incredibly proud of our players
Many join as beginners, or just lacking in confidence. Through our unique coaching style, we help build character and skills that last a lifetime. Some players volunteer at weekends, they’re eager to contribute to our community. At Spartan’s we make ‘em different!
Basketball is a fun, easy to learn sport
Trying something new can be intimidating, but be brave and give it a try. Anyone can join and develop at their own speed. Come and see what we’re all about.
@spartansbasketballacademy
spartansbasketballacademy.com
Anna Coe, 53, is owner of The Fitness Studio gym in Esher and has been teaching fitness and wellbeing for nearly 25 years.
Entering a free weights gym can be daunting
We offer weight training to those who wouldn’t naturally see themselves as weight lifters (generally midlife women or older adults) or who can’t or don’t want to access what’s on offer elsewhere. Members are grouped with similar ages who support each other, enabling anyone to feel welcome whatever their age or ability.
One hour of your time could change your future
Give it a go! My aim is for every member to know what they do in our gym has and will change their lives for the better. Seeing people achieve things they never thought possible brings me joy. The look of uncertainty and doubt changes to one of confidence and pride.
We train for longevity but also for living well…really, really well
The NHS do such a great job but living longer with illness, pain and weakness isn’t ticking that quality box. 100% the most important part of what I do is bring opportunity for people to have better quality of life. Live well, not just long, is what we aim for our members.
@thefitnessstudio_esher
thefitnessstudio.co.uk
Lily Murphy, 26, is the founder and Head Coach of TigerFit Studios in Weybridge and started in the fitness industry 10 years ago.
I love helping people feel strong and powerful
In life we’re surrounded by noise about how we should look, but in training we focus on what our bodies can do! In turn this builds confidence and resilience and I’m passionate about ingraining these healthy habits and ways of thinking at an early age in my kids’ classes, it’s a really important part of what I do.
Children are welcome at all of our sessions
Which has definitely made my classes more popular to those with kids as it removes a barrier that may have prevented them previously. Our class vibe is so welcoming, it feels like a big group of friends cheering each other on and supporting each other. It’s really special that kids within our community get to see and experience this model behaviour.
I always remind myself how lucky I am to move
And I’m conscious of the kind of example I want to set for my kids. Many can be stuck indoors on screens all day. The earlier we can make exercise and fitness a priority the better. This will set them up for life with a good work ethic, healthy mind, body and the inner power to challenge themselves when things in life get tough.
@tigerfituk
tigerfituk.com
