Club volunteers

All of our coaches, officials, committee members and parent helpers volunteer their time for the benefit of our club, and it wouldn't be possible to run it without their dedication and commitment.

Our Coaches

Athletics Coach - Sprints

Upali Ukwatte Kankanamage

Upali joined CATs as a coach in 2003, after over a decade competing at both national and international level. In 1980, he participated in the Moscow Olympics final qualifying round in the 400m relay, and went on to represent Sri Lanka as part of the 400m relay team in the 1982 Asian Games. Upali now enjoys coaching novice athletes, drawing on his own experience and his IAAF and UKA coaching qualifications, and is proud that five of his athletes have set club records.

Athletics Coach - Jumps

Alison Bennett

Alison is an England Athletics Coach with a specialism in jumps. She coaches across the FUNdamentals, jumps and sprints groups, supporting athletes to develop skills, confidence and most importantly a love of athletics.

Alison became involved with the club through her two children, who are both active members of Colchester and Tendring Athletics Club. What started as supporting from the sidelines developed into a passion for coaching. Whether it be at training or a competition, Alison supports and champions her athletes to achieve their potential.

Athletics Coach Event Group Level - Throws

Rob Earle

Bio to follow

Athletics Coach - Sprints

Justin Hubbard

Justin has been involved with CATs on and off since he was 8 years old, and now competes as a Masters athlete alongside his coaching. His highest achievement was a silver medal for the 4x200m relay at the European Masters Championships in 2022, and he also picked up gold in the British Masters that year for 200m and a bronze in the 60m. He enjoys seeing his athletes gain confidence and develop as individuals and improve each year.

Athletics Coach - Middle Distance

Ryan McNeill

Bio to follow

Athletics Coach - Jumps

Dave Waterman

Bio to follow

Coaching Assistant - Middle Distance

Chris Harvey

While Chris only played rugby at school, he watched his daughters having all the fun at CATs and wanted in! He loves cross country and road racing, and while he views track and field as a different beast altogether, he loves trying to beat his previous PBs and has bagged a few Club records along the way. An avid competitor, the most events he has participated in at one meeting is 9! He enjoys seeing the juniors he coaches progress and support each other, knowing that both in winning and losing they are building their resilience for the world outside.

Coaching Assistant - Sprints / Hurdles

Rod Kendall

Bio to follow

Coaching Assistant - Middle Distance

Martin Sergeant

Martin has been a PE teacher since 1997 and has coached all disciplines at school. He took up coaching at CATs as both his daughters compete for the Club and he felt he could give something back. He coaches middle distance and cross country, but loves all athletics disciplines.

Coaching Assistant - Middle Distance

Paul Mee

Bio to follow

Coaching Assistant - Throws

Peter Godron

Bio to follow

Coaching Assistant - Senior Endurance

Donna Howard

Bio to follow

Coaching Assistant

Kester Waterman

Bio to follow

Coach in Running Fitness

Samantha Cooper

Bio to follow

Coaching Assistant - Senior Endurance

Gerard Buck

Bio to follow

Coaching Assistant

Oliver Bennett

Bio to follow

Leadership in Running Fitness

Steve Hart

Bio to follow

Track and field officials

For any parent or senior athletes out there thinking you would like to get more involved or put something back into the club, why not consider becoming a track and field official? The Club can arrange for you to undertake training to equip you for this role. Please contact the Club Chair or Secretary for more information.