Meet the Coach
Mike — Sprint Coach
Mike is an experienced athletics coach specialising in sprint development for athletes competing in 60m to 400m events.
Over many years of coaching, athletes within the programme have progressed to win Northern Ireland and Ulster medals as well as Irish medals and championships, with some going on to represent their country at international level.
Alongside coaching athletes, Mike also works as a coach education tutor with Athletics Northern Ireland, helping to develop the next generation of athletics coaches across Northern Ireland.
Working with Team Sport Athletes
Alongside coaching sprint athletes, Mike also works with team sport athletes who want to improve their speed, acceleration and running efficiency.
Athletes from sports such as football, rugby, GAA and hockey often benefit from specialist sprint coaching, helping them develop faster acceleration, improved running mechanics and greater confidence in their speed.
Mike has experience working with athletes both individually and within team environments, supporting players who want to develop the speed qualities that can make a difference in competitive sport.
Speed Performance Coaching for Teams
In addition to individual coaching, Mike has also worked with sports teams and clubs as a speed performance specialist.
These sessions focus on developing the key physical qualities required for speed in team sports, including:
• acceleration and first-step speed
• sprint mechanics and running efficiency
• change of pace and running posture
• speed development drills used by competitive sprinters
By bringing sprint coaching principles into team environments, athletes can improve the technical and physical aspects of speed that contribute to better performance during competition.
Coaching Philosophy
Mike’s coaching focuses on helping athletes develop their speed, confidence and enjoyment of sprinting through structured training and technical development.
He believes athletes perform best when they train in a supportive environment built on trust, honesty and clear communication, where long-term development is valued over short-term results.
The aim is not only to help athletes improve their sprint performance, but also to support them in developing the qualities that sport teaches — discipline, resilience and belief in the process.
Athlete Development
The sprint programme provides a clear development pathway for athletes as they progress through the sport.
Athletes begin by learning the fundamentals of sprint mechanics and movement before progressing into more advanced training that focuses on:
• acceleration development
• sprint mechanics and running efficiency
• maximum velocity running
• speed endurance and race preparation
This structured approach helps athletes build strong technical foundations while preparing them to compete successfully in sprint events.
A Coaching Environment Built on Trust
One of the most important aspects of the programme is the relationship between coach and athlete.
Mike believes that successful coaching is built on trust, honesty and open communication, allowing athletes to develop both as competitors and as people.
Many athletes who have trained within the programme continue to stay in contact long after their competitive careers, which Mike sees as one of the most meaningful aspects of coaching.
Interested in Joining?
New athletes are always welcome to attend a trial training session to experience the programme and training environment.
If you would like more information or would like to arrange a trial session, please visit the Contact page and get in touch.