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Our Coaches

Alton Trampoline Club have a fantastic team of friendly and experienced coaches:

Mike Wakely Head Coach

Friday & Saturday

Qualifications: Senior Club Coach DMT Senior Club Coach Performers with Disabilities First Aid
Judging: Regional Level Trampoline County Level DMT

Mike started coaching Trampolining in the late 90s, and is a keen sportsman who has also coached Football, Tennis and Archery. Mike grew up in Devon and it was there his passion for the sport grew through being involved in coaching at his local club. He has been involved in the South-West at East Devon High Flyers, Exeter University, and Wellington Whirlwinds, and was also invited to coach as part of the South-West Development Squad. He is currently in the process of taking his High Performance Coach qualification, having already passed the theory exam. He loves seeing people take part in and enjoy sport, and works hard to ensure that individuals development to their potential, whether performing or coaching.


Sylvia Comber Founder, Treasurer & Welfare Officer

Friday & Saturday

Qualifications: Senior Club Coach DMT Senior Club Coach Performers with Disabilities First Aid
Judging: County Level Trampoline County Level DMT

Sylvia is the founding member of Alton Trampoline Club, and having started coaching in 1989, she identified a gap in the local market and in 1990 Alton Trampoline Club was born! She has shown remarkable dedication and commitment. She was rewarded for her dedication to Trampolining by being chosen to carry the Olympic Torch in 2012 – one of the proudest moments of her life! In 2013 Sylvia was awarded the ‘Brian Barton’ award for Service to Sport at the Alton & District Sports Council (ADSC) Awards 2013, for the effort and commitment she has shown in enabling people to take part in Trampolining. In 2017 she was shortlisted at the British Gymnastics National Awards.


Stuart Sharpe Welfare Officer

Ad-hoc

Qualifications: Level 2 Coach
Competing: National Level

A popular member of the Club and a BRITISH CHAMPION, Stuart was also a recent member of the GBR National Disability Squad. Stuart started back in 2004 and has been with the club ever since. As a competitor he has reached the National level, and he remains an active competitor, competing in the National Gala events in Trampolining.  He is a three-time British Champion and two-time (and current) English Champion, which includes winning the Mens Disability Category 1 event at both the 2018 English and British Championships! Stuart passed his UKCC Level 2 coaching course in 2014, and in 2017 won the ADSC ‘Male Coach of the Year’ and East Hampshire ‘Disability Sportsman of the Year’.


James Acott

Friday & Saturday

Qualifications: Level 3 Module 1 Coach

James founded the Trampoline Club at Central Lancashire back in the early 2000s. While at University James competed in the BUSA Finals and also represented the Uni at European competitions. James was brought back to the sport through his young children, who have both followed in his footsteps and took an immediate liking to the Trampoline from their very first jump!


Kerry Wells

Friday & Saturday

Qualifications: Level 2 Coach
Judging: County Level Trampoline

Kerry joined the club after her daughter joined, which served as a great benefit for both ourselves and for her, as Kerry has been watching both of her children succeed in gymnastics over a number of years. No longer having to simply watch from the sides, she is an enthusiastic, determined coach who loves to challenge herself, who is also a great coach in other gymnastic disciplines.


Pete Walley

Friday

Qualifications: Level 1 Coach
Competing: National Trampoline League 3

Pete has been a gymnast with the club for many years now, and has recently competed in the National Trampoline League events, qualifying through to the Finals in 2016, 2017 and 2018 consecutively. Having previously taken the Trampoline Proficiency Award course, Pete took his Level 1 coach assessment alongside his 6th Form exams in July 2015.


Jonathan Minifie

Saturday

Qualifications: Level 1 Coach

Jonathan trained with the club as a junior member for many years, and took his coaching qualification following the completion of his college course in 2015.


Scarlett

Saturday

Qualifications: Level 1 Coach

Scarlett is an wonderful member who we have seen grow and develop at the club, being a talented member who has won medals in national competitions, and even represented the Southern region in the past. Her enthusiasm is infectious and she passed her qualification in 2022, at the same time as studying at college.


Frankie

Saturday

Qualifications: Trainee Coach

Frankie is an enthusiastic member and talented athlete, having both won medals in regional and national competitions. She also trains in TeamGym at Bracknell and has won medals while representing Great Britain in the TeamGym European Championships! She is working towards her coaching qualification and doing a wonderful job teaching some of our younger members.


Richard Dale

Saturday

Qualifications: Level 1 Coach

Richard joined us recently and passed his Level 1 assessment in early 2023. Being skilled in parkour, he has a great confidence on the equipment and brings that calm and confidence to his coaching. He has adapted his knowledge to the Trampoline and we welcome him to the club.


Clare Wakely

Ad-hoc

Qualifications: Level 3 Tech Module 3
Judging: County Level Trampoline County Level DMT

Clare has been part of ATC since it first began, and despite a stint at Uni has never left us! She developed as a performer right up to competing in the National grades and the BUSA Finals. The passion and enthusiasm for the sport led to her becoming co-captain of Exeter University Trampoline Club from 2006 – 2007. Clare started coaching over 11 years ago, and completed her Level 3 Module 3 assessment in March 2015.

As well as coaching, Clare was previously Club Secretary and, through the work that she does for the Club, resulted in her winning the East Hampshire Sports Volunteer of the Year award in 2013 (2nd place in 2014) and winning the Alton & District Sports Council ‘Volunteer of the Year award in both 2013 and 2014 consecutively. She has now stopped to spend more time with her family, but you may see her occasionally at sessions.


Eloise Fuller

Ad-hoc

Qualifications: Level 1 Coach

Eloise has been an active competitor with Alton for over 5 years. She is also proving to be an excellent coach, utilising her skills and knowledge of Trampolining and combining them with her experiences outside the sport. She is currently away at University expanding her knowledge and skills.


Scott Plumridge

Ad-hoc

Qualifications: Level 1 Coach

A popular member of the club and hugely likeable person, Scott has grown up with the club, improving as a competitor and even represented the Southern Region. In 2019 he successfully passed his Level 1 coaching qualification. He is attending University at present (& winning medals in University competitions and becoming Uni Club President!), but we may well see him stop by from time to time, when his term breaks allow it.


Alton Trampoline Club aims to support the continued development of its coaches and also encourages anyone who wishes to get involved in coaching, judging, or officiating. We have a strong mentoring system, and all of our coaches are happy to support others in their development. If you would like to get involved, or have any questions then please contact us.