Jackie Newton named UK Athletics head of coaching development
Jackie Newton is moving from Athletics Northern Ireland to UK Athletics to become head of coaching development at the Birmingham-based governing body.
Newton was director of coaching and athlete development for Athletics Northern Ireland and will continue to work for them until mid-August to allow her to continue helping Northern Ireland athletes at the Olympics.
She competed internationally for Britain at the half-marathon and marathon, having begun her career with Stockport Harriers. She has played an important role in coaching and team management with international cross country and mountain running teams for GB & NI, as well as managing the athletics team for Northern Ireland at the Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast.
Mark Munro, UKA development director, described her as "the stand-out candidate". He added: "This was not only because of her experience within the sport as an athlete, coach or within her current employment, but because she has a great attitude and strong personality. She absolutely understands the state of coaching in the UK, the challenges facing coaches and had a clear vision and excellent understanding of how to start to re-build the coaching system."
Newton said: “I am thrilled to have been appointed as the new head of coaching development at UK Athletics but, at the same time, will leave my position at Athletics Northern Ireland with sadness. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the team at ANI, with athletes and coaches in the programmes as well as with those on the NI & Ulster Teams.
"Northern Ireland is an exciting place to be. Performances are on the up and the talent is coming through. Underpinning that, the club system is evolving and the future is very promising.”
“I would like to thank the entire athletics community for what has been a great balance of support and challenge that has helped me to grow in this role and prepare me for the next. I look forward to continuing to work with the coaches within Northern Ireland in my new role and will continue to support in every way I can.”
