COACHES
There’s often a team behind every successful athlete. The core of that team is a coach. Our coaches are armed with years of skills, experience, and qualifications to boot. They’re likely to have bagged a few medals of their own in their time too.
Alan Kerr
I’m the Chairman of the club, so you’ll see me at committee meetings and at club training sessions. I was the World Age Group Sprint Triathlon Champion a number of years ago, and still swim, bike, and run. I focus most of my coaching with the senior endurance group, where there’s a good amount of educational banter and advice dished out.
Chris Jeynes
In 2019 my son started training with the club. I couldn’t just stand on the side-lines so I offered a helping hand. I soon became more involved with the club, drawn in by the energy of the athletes. You’ll find me at Run Jump Throw and Combined Event sessions. I’m at most competitions too (normally with cake). I also organise in-house competition and social events.
Gina Hardman
All three of my children are athletes, and have run for Bridgend. My eldest two have both gone on to represent Wales. We’re a running family – my husband and I are members of the club too. As a mum to young athletes, I hope to pass on my coaching knowledge and experience to our juniors.
Greg Allen
We’re a sporty family. My wife, two daughters and I all run. We’re regularly at junior parkrun, where I often volunteer. I’m a big believer in the value of sport, of being active, and enjoy sharing that love with everyone at the club, at every level.
Hiram Mullan
I’ve stood at the edge of the track watching my daughter train for years. Like many others at the club, I ended up coaching. I’m part of the endurance group, and help guide our athletes through their junior years.
Jacqueline Brace
I’ve had a lifetime in athletics, at first as a runner and now as admin in the sport. I understand what makes a successful athlete, and I’ve coached at many levels – school, club, and as part of the Welsh team management. I instinctively know what athletes are looking for to fulfil their potential, juggling their training in with their lifestyle.
Jeff Roberts
In 2006 my son joined Bridgend AC – it gave me the incentive to help out and train as a coach. I’ve seen first-hand the rewards when athletes go from strength to strength, progressing in competitions and improving their personal bests. I’ve also seen shy individuals become more confident as they start to believe in themselves. I used to compete too, for the masters sprinting and long-jump.
Jon Embling
I joined Bridgend AC ( BAC) when every town in the UK hosted a marathon, and the most popular running shoe for the masses was Hi-TEC's Silver Shadow. From using jumpers as goalposts, and grass sessions at Newbridge fields, BAC progressed to became one of the most formidable road racing clubs in the UK. As Max Boyce once said 'I was there',and I’m proud to still be here.
Joe Thomas
I joined the club at the turn of the millennium after watching the Olympics. I still compete, most recently winning the Welsh Masters (over 40) 5000, and claiming bronze over 10k on the roads – both in 2019. Now my son’s following in my footsteps I hope to get a Welsh Athletics coaching qualification.
Mari Higginson
Both my daughters have gone through the endurance ranks of the club, and my son is following in their footsteps. I work in the Health Sector, and want to show the benefits of good mobility and movement. It’s a big part of all the Run, Jump and Throw sessions.
Steve Summers
I guess you’d say I was a late starter in sport. I’ve quickly progressed, once I got going, competing as a triathlete to a good level. I’m now passing on my knowledge by mentoring the endurance running groups with the club. I enjoy helping our athletes identify their strengths, improve on their weaknesses, and set targets.
Steve Brace
As a self-coached double Olympian over the marathon, my experiences have shown me that coaches should empower their athletes to take control of their own training, as well as helping them overcome challenges to achieve their goals. Being independent and accountable for their training I feel is important. I’ve coached at community, development, and performance levels, making sure athletes have fun while they’re putting in the hard work.
Stuart Davidson
I’ve been a member since 1981. In my time I’ve been Men’s Captain and Club Chairman. As a vet runner (over 40) I’ve worn the red of Wales over cross-country and on the track.
SENIORS
First-timer, haven’t competed since your school days, or experienced athlete, everyone is welcome. You can usually get going in straightaway. When you join the club (we’re pretty confident you’ll like us), all our sessions come as standard.
JUNIORS
Take your firsts steps into running, jumping, and throwing with us. Make friends, have fun. Train, and compete. We’d love to have you on #TeamBridgend. Membership is just a hop, skip and a jump away.