What is your current role/job?
Currently I’m self-employed. I run my own strength and conditioning business called Impact Performance and Conditioning. Alongside this I am running Dromore RFC’s new gym facility and leading their S&C programme. I’m also currently involved in Ulster Rugby’s Volunteer fitness development programme.
Why have you chosen this career path?
I’ve always had a big interest in sport and have been keen to get a job in sport, but particularly strength and conditioning and physical preparation for sport. For the past few years I’ve been struggling to break into elite sport and was struggling to find a path to develop as an S&C coach. I was aware that Dromore RFC were looking to build a new gym and that Ulster Rugby was advising them on what to do, but I hadn’t really thought about running my own business until Dromore RFC and Chris Shields (Ulster Rugby Fitness Education Mnaager) approached me about the idea of running my own business out of their facility.
How has Ulster Rugby’s Volunteer Fitness Development Programme assisted you?
Ulster Rugby has helped me to a great extent and in a number of ways. They’ve given me the chance, alongside Dromore RFC, to develop my own business and develop as a strength and conditioning coach.
Through the VFD programme I’ve been able to gain access to local schools and run S&C programmes for them, alongside Ulster Rugby staff members Robbie Bremner and Paul Heasley. Ulster Rugby has ran different Continued Professional Development days which have been great as it’s given me a chance to meet other coaches and develop my skills further.
I’ve been able to bounce ideas off Chris and Paul about my own business plans, while Robbie has given me great advice on how to implement S&C programmes to the differing groups I’m involved with. When I was going through the UKSCA accreditation process, Chris and Robbie were able to point me in the right direction with regards to what to look out for and what I’d need to change to make sure I’d pass as they’ve been through the same process.
During the building of Dromore RFC’s new gym the guys from Ulster Rugby have given us good advice on how to plan the layout of the gym to how best to make use of the space we had.
If it wasn’t for the VFD programme I wouldn’t be in the position I’m currently in; trying to build a business and developing as a coach.
Where do you see yourself in the future?
In the future I’d love to be involved in a Super League setup in England or continue to run my own business and hopefully have expended into my own training facility.