Who We Are
Ross Walker
Managing Director
Ross is the founder of Teachsport (formally Lewisham Sports Academy). He has been a qualified cricket coach since 1990 and more recently became an accredited ECB Tutor and Assessor. He started the junior section at Bromley Common Cricket Club in 1994, with just a handful of children; the club now has over 100 junior members on its books. Ross has been the Lewisham District Development Officer (DDO) for the Kent Cricket Board since its conception in 1999 and now coaches the Finnish National Team and the Finnish under 25’s National Indoor Squad.
Coaching Qualifications:
Cricket Level 2, Multi-Skills trained, ECB Tutor Assessor, UK Leaders Level 1 & 2 Tutor.
Also Trained In:
Safeguarding & Protecting Children, First Aid.
Greatest Sporting Achievement:
Ross scored in the FA Cup in 1970something... (a long time ago!)
Did You Know?
Ross once rang his son to ask him where the letter 'K' was on his computer keyboard!
Carrie Perkins
Operations Director
Carrie joined Teachsport in 2004. Previously she taught secondary PE in a London based school for six years, and was in charge of girl’s PE and extracurricular activities for the final two of those years. Carrie has helped Teachsport to develop their educational services for schools and is responsible for the overall organisation of coaching schedules. Carrie comes from a football background where she represented Millwall Lionesses for 2 seasons.
Coaching Qualifications:
Football Level 2, Cricket Level 1, Netball Level 1, Athletics Level 1, Hockey Level 1, Rugby Level 1, Multi-Skills trained, UK Leaders Level 1 & 2 Tutor, BSc. (Hons) Sports & Exercise Science, PGCE Secondary Physical Education.
Also Trained In:
Safeguarding & Protecting Children, First Aid.
Greatest Sporting Achievement:
Carrie completed the 2002 London Marathon.
Did You Know?
Carrie once sky-dived from 14,000 ft.
Matt Walker
HR & Marketing Director
Matt joined Teachsport in 2007 from the National Childminding Association (NCMA) where he assisted the running of a nationally operated start-up package for newly registered childminders. He also comes from a marketing and design background. As well as managing the company’s marketing and human resources developments, he is also the Lewisham district cricket under 12’s manager and lead coach of the district soft-ball cricket courses.
Coaching Qualifications:
Cricket Level 2, Tag-Rugby Level 1, Boccia Level 1, Multi-Skills trained.
Also Trained In:
Working with Challenging Behaviour, Safeguarding & Protecting Children, First Aid, Microsoft Office ‘Advanced’, Customer Services, Graphic Design.
Greatest Sporting Achievement:
Matt represented his club in the 2007 cricket twenty20 final against the then national champions.
Did You Know?
Matt has been organising and running cricket tours for his club for over 5 years. He also set up his own Sunday league football team for 3 seasons.
Ross Barnes
Commercial Director
Ross joined Teachsport in 2007 and has developed his coaching skills at a phenomenal rate. He is one of our most diverse coaches and is the founder of the ‘Changing Shapes’ programme. Ross is our key contact for all new business and commercial developments.
Coaching Qualifications:
Cricket Level 2, Tag-Rugby Level 1, Basketball Level 1, Athletics Level 1, Tennis Level 1, Multi-Skills trained, Boxing Tutor.
Also Trained In:
Ba (Hons.) Design, Safeguarding & Protecting Children, First Aid.
Greatest Sporting Achievement:
Ross hit the crossbar from the half-way line at the David Beckham Academy centre.
Did You Know?
In 2004, Ross had his university work (furniture design) on display at the Truman Brewery Exhibition in East London.
Luke Johnson
Senior Manager (Training & Coach Development)
Luke joined Teachsport in 2008 after completing an intensive 1 year coaching contract in America. Luke brings with him a wealth of coaching knowledge as well as a unique coaching style. He is vital in the success of Teachsports ‘Coach Development’ programme. Luke was the founder of ‘Toddler Football’ and to date still commits a lot of his time and thoughts to this programme.
Coaching Qualifications:
Football Level 1, Cricket 1, Tag-Rugby Level 1, Netball Level 1, Multi-Skills trained.
Also Trained In:
Bsc. Sports Science, Safeguarding & Protecting Children, First Aid.
Greatest Sporting Achievement:
Luke lifted the London Cup when captaining the Roehampton University 1st XI.
Did You Know?
In 2006 Luke was offered a scholarship to play 'soccer' at Kentucky University in the USA.
Jamie Walker
Senior Manager (Training & Coach Development)
Jamie joined Teachsport in 2003. He is one of the most experienced and most requested coaches at Teachsport, with a unique and vibrant coaching style. Jamie has a fantastic work-ethic and is an essential part of Teachsports ‘Coach Development’ programme. He is also the Lewisham district cricket under 12’s manager.
Coaching Qualifications:
Cricket Level 2, Football Level 1, Basketball Level 1, Tennis Level 1, Athletics Level 1, Rugby Union Level 1, ABA boxing Tutor, Multi-Skills trained, Award in Sports Leadership Level 1.
Also Trained In:
Equity in your Coaching, Developing Coaches, Long Term Athlete Development, Mentoring Sports Coaches, Continued Professional Development, Participation & Children’s Rights, Drum Circle Sessions, Safeguarding & Protecting Children, First Aid.
Greatest Sporting Achievement:
Jamie took 5 wickets on his junior Kent Cricket debut.
Did You Know?
Jamie has been playing the drums and bongos for over 10 years and can play beginner level piano and guitar.
Wendi Walker
Children’s Centre Manager
Wendi joined Teachsport in 2007 and has taken full control of all Children’s Centre park programmes. Along with her role as the Changing Shapes ‘Family Mentor’, Wendi oversees all Children Centre monitoring and office administration.
Coaching Qualifications:
Cricket Level 1, Rounders Level 1, Netball Level 1, Multi-Skills trained.
Also Trained In:
Typing & Word Processing Level 3, ECDL Computer Skills, Safeguarding Children, First Aid.
Greatest Sporting Achievement:
Wendi coached on the outfield of Lords Cricket Ground during the England v South Africa test match.
Did You Know?
Wendi once worked as a background artist and has appeared in many films and TV series including; About a Boy, Calendar Girls, Last orders, Bad Girls. Wendi also speaks fluent Turkish.
Nesrin Ingham
MEND Project Manager
Nesrin joined Teachsport in 2009 to co-ordinate and manage the MEND project in the borough of Lewisham. She has previously managed the MEND project through other local organisations. Nesrin is based at our head office and in her short time with the company, has instantly adapted to Teachsport life.
Coaching Qualifications:
None
Also Trained In:
Safeguarding Children, First Aid, Common Assessment Framework (CAF), CCF Basic Officers Course No. 98.
Greatest Sporting Achievement:
Whilst at school, Nesrin completed a 1 mile swim.
Did You Know?
Nesrin is a keen canoeist and kayaker.
Virginia Waples
Nutritional Therapist
Virginia joined Teachsport in 2008 after graduating from the British College of Nutritional Health (BCNH). She continues to work with private clients whilst also working as a Nutritional Therapist for Teachsport. Her responsibilities involve the writing and delivery of obesity intervention and prevention programmes; health and nutrition courses for schools and ad hoc community projects. Virginia is also a level 3 tutor for the BSc (Hons) Professional Practice (Nutritional Therapy) run by the University of Greenwich in partnership with the BCNH.
Coaching Qualifications:
None
Also Trained In:
BSc. DipBCNH in Nutritional Therapy, First Aid.
Greatest Sporting Achievement:
Virginia captained her secondary school netball team for 4 years.
Did You Know?
Whilst teaching in India, Virginia learnt to stand on her head using yoga.
Rochelle Douglas
Senior Manager (Key Account/Gymnastics & Dance)
Rochelle joined Teachsport in 2006 and has been an influential figure in all of our primary school gymnastics. She represented Great Britain in Gymnastics for 7 years, competing in the European and World Championships along the way. She now coaches at East London Gymnastics Club, coaching 5 National Squad/Level gymnasts, two of whom are current British champions in their age group.
Coaching Qualifications:
High Performance Gymnastics Coach Level 5, Qualified Fitness Instructor.
Also Trained In:
Child Welfare Officer, Head of Delegation trained (Gymnastics), Regional Gymnastics Judge, Safeguarding & Protecting Children, First Aid.
Greatest Sporting Achievement:
Rochelle represented Great Britain in Gymnastics from 1994 to 2001.
Did You Know?
Rochelle’s father and brother both represented Great Britain at ice hockey.
Jessica Bailey
Dance Teacher
Jessica joined Teachsport in 2009 after a successful 3 years training at the Centre of Performing Arts College. Jessica is also the owner and Principle of a successful Performing Arts School in Kent. Jessica has been teaching for 6 years and brings to Teachsport a broad and detailed knowledge of the Imperial Society Teachers of Dance and Dance Examination Board. She is now training towards her Licentiate so that she can become an examiner for the ISTD.
Coaching Qualifications:
Diploma in Performance & Dance Teacher Training, Advanced Tap Dance, Advanced Modern Dance, Intermediate Folk Dance, Intermediate Ballet, FDI Modern Dance, FDI Tap Dance.
Also Trained In:
Safeguarding & Protecting Children, First Aid.
Greatest Sporting Achievement:
Jessica represented Great Britain in Latin and Ballroom Dance for the ADFP in Germany in 1999. She won the silver medal.
Did You Know?
Jessica has performed in front of her majesty the Queen at the London Palladium. She is also scheduled to perform again next year at the Royal Albert Hall.
Gilbert Barnett
Martial Arts & Youth Development Manager
Gilbert joined Teachsport in 2007, bringing with him over 20 years experience of mentoring and teaching taekwondo to children. Gilbert has taught at both national and international level, with several success stories along the way. His introduction to Team Teachsport brings a new dimension to the services that we can offer, with the self-protection programmes and after-school taekwondo clubs playing a huge role in our teaching progression and development.
Coaching Qualifications:
Bsc. Sports Coaching, Hanson Community Sports Leader, British Taekwondo Control Board Registered Instructor, Netball Level 1, Multi-Skills Level 1 & 2.
Also Trained In:
NVQ Sports & Recreation Level 2, YMCA Gym Instructor Level 2, YMCA Exercise & Fitness Knowledge Level 2, YMCA Cardio Vascular Machine Training Level 2, YMCA Resistance Training Level 2, Safeguarding & Protecting Children, First Aid.
Greatest Sporting Achievement:
Gilbert trained all of his taekwondo students to black belt level. Five of his students went on to win medals at the 2009 British Taekwondo Championships.
Did You Know?
Gilbert worked as a bodyguard for 3 years.
Lauren Bloomfield
Coach
Lauren joined Teachsport in 2007. Her first year with the company was spent shadowing and supporting our more experienced coaches. Lauren is now one of our most diverse coaches and a role model to others starting out in the business.
Coaching Qualifications:
Basketball Level 1, Cricket Level 1, Golf Extreme, Multi-Skills trained.
Also Trained In:
CSLA, Introduction to Youth Work, Safeguarding & Protecting Children, First Aid/Life Support.
Greatest Sporting Achievement:
Lauren completed the GoApe course...she is absolutely petrified of heights!
Did You Know?
Whilst working at Lords Cricket Ground, Lauren went wobbly at the knees when meeting Alastair Cook.
Dwaine Cornwall
Coach
Dwaine joined Teachsport in 2007 as one of the Lewisham Mayors ‘Young Apprentices’. He is a great role model for young men with similar backgrounds and has proven his passion for helping young people to make positive choices in their lives. Dwaine is now training to become a detached youth worker and has been developing his coaching skills by working with our more experienced coaches, through our ‘Coach Development’ programme.
Coaching Qualifications:
Basketball Level, Cricket Level 1, Gym Instructing, Multi-Skills trained, Sports Leaders Level 1.
Also Trained In:
Introduction to Youth Work, Emergency Aid for Sports Coaches, Safeguarding & Protecting Children, First Aid.
Greatest Sporting Achievement:
After months of training, Dwaine completed a successful programme teaching children with disabilities.
Did You Know?
In his 3 years at Teachsport, Dwaine has progresses from being an apprentice to running and organising our Dads & Kids club.
Tony Davies
Coach
Tony joined Teachsport in 2008 following retirement from the London Fire Brigade, where he worked as a Watch Manager for 30 years. He has also played a major coaching role within the junior section of his local Kent league cricket club. Tony’s maturity, reliability and experience has had a positive impact on many of our younger coaches and with the introduction of our ‘Coach Development’ programme, we are confident that Tony will play a huge role in the future progression of Teachsport.
Coaching Qualifications:
Cricket Level 2, Golf Xtreme.
Also Trained In:
Safeguarding & Protecting Children, First Aid.
Greatest Sporting Achievement:
Tony won an individual medal at his golf club...his first for over 30 years involved in the game.
Did You Know?
Tony attended the last of the London County Grammar Schools, Brockley County. The building is now occupied by Prendergast Secondary School at Hilly Fields.
Matt Burton
Coach
Matt joined Teachsport in 2006 and is currently studying Sports & Exercise Science at Loughborough University. He has represented Great Britain & England in Triple Jump at Under 17 and Under 20 age groups. In 2006, Matt was ranked number 1 in Britain at Under 20’s level and is currently ranked 11th in Britain at senior level. Matt was born and raised in Lewisham and is an outstanding role model for all young men and women in this area, He was the Team Manager of the winning Lewisham Athletics Team at the 2007 London Youth Games and is committed and focused on encouraging other young people to take up and succeed in athletics.
Coaching Qualifications:
Athletics Level 2, Multi-Skills trained.
Also Trained In:
UKSport ‘Disability in Sport’, UKSport ‘Equity in Sport’, Safeguarding & Protecting Children, First Aid.
Greatest Sporting Achievement:
In 2006 Matt was the under 20’s number 1 ranked Triple Jumper in Great Britain . He has also represented Great Britain at under 23’s level.
Did You Know?
In his bid for success in the London 2012 Olympic Games, Matt’s training kit will be sponsored by Teachsport.
Leigh Walker
Coach
Leigh joined Teachsport in 2005. He has a vibrant, unique style of coaching and is very popular amongst his colleagues. Leigh has represented Kent at cricket for 8 years and his experiences playing at this level are mirrored in his coaching skills.
Coaching Qualifications:
Cricket Level 1, Basketball Level 1.
Also Trained In:
‘A’ grade in A-Level Physical Education,’ A’ grade in A-Level Psychology, currently studying a ‘Sports Management’ degree at Loughborough University, Safeguarding & Protecting Children, First Aid.
Greatest Sporting Achievement:
Leigh played cricket for Kent between the ages of 10 and 18.
Did You Know?
Leigh can translate the whole alphabet in sign language.
Matt Fish
Coach
Matt joined Teachsport in 2009. He currently plays football for semi-professional side Dover Athletic. He began his football career as a Crystal Palace youth product and In April 2007, was signed on loan by AFC Wimbledon. After being released by Crystal Palace in the summer of 2007, he joined Dover on a full-time contract. Matt has a fantastic work ethic and is a key member of team Teachsport.
Coaching Qualifications:
Football Level 2, YMCA Qualified Fitness Instructor.
Also Trained In:
Safeguarding & Protecting Children, First Aid.
Greatest Sporting Achievement:
Matt won back to back promotions in 2007 and 2008 with Dover Football Club.
Did You Know?
Matt’s PE teacher at secondary school was Teachsports very own Carrie Perkins.
Graham Eglinton
Coach
Graham joined Teachsport in 2009 and is a huge success story of our ‘Coach Development Programme’. Prior to joining Team Teachsport, Graham coached football for several London based junior football clubs and has been involved in the organisation and management of many regional football competitions.
Coaching Qualifications:
Football Level 1
Also Trained In:
Safeguarding & Protecting Children, First Aid.
Greatest Sporting Achievement:
After 9 fruitless years, Graham finally managed to score his first ever goal for his Sunday league football side...they went on to win the league that season.
Did You Know?
Graham is related to the Jamaican super-star sprinter, Usain Bolt (he is Graham’s dad’s, cousins, wife’s, brother!) Graham also has 6 toes on his left foot!
Charlotte Dalton
Coach
Charlotte joined Teachsport in 2005 and is one of our many success stories after completing her JSLA (Junior Sports Leadership Award) at the age of 14. She now has a vast range of coaching qualifications and experiences and has also successfully co-delivered a Teachsport JSLA back at her old secondary school.
Coaching Qualifications:
Basketball Level 1, Football Level 1, JSLA, CSLA.
Also Trained In:
Equity in Coaching, Working with Children with Disabilities, Safeguarding & Protecting Children, First Aid.
Greatest Sporting Achievement:
Charlotte was runner-up in the 2006 Young Sports Leader Award.
Did You Know?
Charlotte is studying Biochemistry at Sussex University.
Rhea Mackennon
Coach
Rhea joined Teachsport in 2007 and has a strong background in football. She has previously played for the Charlton Athletic Women’s Academy side and now plays for Crystal Palace Ladies FC. Rhea is currently studying a Sports Development degree at Greenwich University and is ambitious to obtain more coaching qualifications and experiences.
Coaching Qualifications:
Football Level 2, Basketball Level 2, Cricket Level 1, Athletics Level 1, Gaelic Football Level 1, Tag-Rugby Level 1, Netball Level 1, Multi-Skills trained.
Also Trained In:
Sports Progression Level 1 & 2, Treatment & Management of Injuries in Sport, BTEC First Diploma in Sport & Exercise Science, Higher National Diploma in Sports Development, Safeguarding & Protecting Children, First Aid.
Greatest Sporting Achievement:
Rhea played for Charlton Athletic Women’s Football Club from 2001 to present.
Did You Know?
Rhea once scored 12 goals in a single game playing for London Ladies F.C and 8 goals in a single game for Charlton Women’s F.C.
John Palmer
Head Coach, Lewisham District Cricket
John has been with Teachsport, formerly the Lewisham Sports Academy, since its creation in 1999. He has coached cricket in the London area for over 30 years and along with Ross Walker (Teachsport Managing Director), has co-ordinated and run most of the Borough cricket activity since 2000. John is also the Lewisham District Cricket head coach for teams competing in the London Youth Games and the Kent District League. John volunteers an incredible amount of his spare time to providing cricketing opportunities for the young people of Lewisham.
Coaching Qualifications:
Cricket Level 2.
Also Trained In:
Safeguarding & Protecting Children, First Aid.
Greatest Sporting Achievement:
John was manager of Sangley Sports Football club for 7 years, winning several league and cup titles along the way. Sangley Sports F.C were one of the most successful amateur sides in the South East region.
Did You Know?
John won the 2008 BBC London Unsung Sporting Hero award.