Our coaching-focused program has been designed with an emphasis on training and fun, and our team includes senior and junior coaches, as well as coaches’ assistants. Many are previous Mosman Little Athletics competitors who have learnt and enjoyed our style of coaching.
All of our coaches are accredited by the Australian Sports Commission. They also have qualifications from courses run by Little Athletics, Athletics NSW and the peak coaching body in Australia, the Australian Track and Field Coaches Association. Levels of qualifications range from basic introductory coaching through to Level V.
We also run in-house coach development courses each season to help develop our coach assistants and junior coaches, allowing our senior coaches to offer input and guidance.
All our coaches are also required to complete an online Child Protection course to ensure the safety of our athletes during training and competition nights at Balmoral Oval, as well as during competition at Zone, Regionals and State championships.
Rich Frost, has been inspiring our junior and senior athletes for over a decade. Rich is an athletics coach of most disciplines who specialises in sprints. He is responsible for the athletics programs at Queenwood, Redlands and Basketball and Speed & Agility at Cammeraygal High School. Rich is a much admired, and sought after, coach to many local athletes. He is a permanent fixture at most ovals in the local area running private squads as well as overseeing the strategic direction of both our Junior and Senior Club.
The Club’s Head Coach, Tom, has been coaching with MLA for over a decade. He brings a wealth of experience including: competing at a national level in NZ in cross country and mid-distance events, over a decade of personal training and sports coaching, and a lifelong passion for all sport (especially basketball). Outside of the demands of the Club, Tom runs private squads for speed, distance, strength and conditioning and basketball for all ages. Tom is the proprietor of a successful personal training business www.uptospeedathletic.com.au
Favourite Events: 800m, 1500m, 3km and cross country.
Years as an Athlete at MLA or Other Club: 2004-2016
Years Coaching at MLA: Since 2013, which makes this my 9th year! I started as a coach assistant and have continued through to the present day as a senior coach, taking on numerous managerial positions in the club during this time too.
Relevant Experience in coaching the event or other athletics events: I have both my Level 1 and Level 2 Athletics Accreditations as well as other recognised coaching qualifications. I also coach at numerous local schools including Queenwood and Wenona.
Proudest Achievement in the event, coaching or competing (optional): As an athlete, I have competed at a national level in the 3000m and at a state level in 800m, 1500m and 400m and cross country. As a Provisional Psychologist and athletics coach my proudest moments have been at the intersection of these roles; improving and managing athlete wellbeing in order for them to attain their respective goals.
What you believe makes a great coach/ coaching Philosophy: A great coach requires excellent communication and flexibility. More specifically, a great coach should be able to explain a given technique, drill or exercise in a variety of ways and should be able to adapt sessions to athletes at different levels. This is particularly relevant in a group coaching environment such as Little Athletics as not all athletes will understand instructions or rationales the same way nor will they necessarily be at the same athletic level. Therefore being able to tailor your messages and exercises to individuals is extremely important to ensure all athletes are benefiting from the session. Also, from a psychological perspective in coaching the young, it is important to mentor a passion for the sport not necessarily the win. For example, having fun whilst working hard in developing skills develops a well rounded athlete (and person) long term.
Favourite Event: HJ
Years as an athlete at MLA or other club: 10 (KLAC)
Years coaching at MLA: 3
Relevant Experience in coaching the event or other athletics events: Lv 2 AA coach
Proudest achievements in that event, coaching or competing (optional): Coaching to a top 5 result at world juniors and current AIS high performance coaching mentee.
What you believe makes a great coach/ coaching Philosophy: Patience
