Coaches, where would the sport be without them? From volunteers to professionals the sport would grind to a halt if they were not committed to the cause as much as the rowers were. Coaches must be everything to all men and women in this day and age. They must be technicians, strength and conditioners, sports scientists, nutritionists, performance analysts, motivators, teachers, mentors, and a friend when you need one.

Monkton has always been proud of the way it coaches the athletes in the club. No more so than the G.T.A.s as they are now known (Gappies to you and me!). The Graduate Teaching Assistants are integral to the smooth running of this Boat Club and the number and standard of athletes that each GTA is subjected to gives them unbelievable experience before going into the wider World of coaching.

The ARA is also very proud of producing some wonderful and exciting coaches and with their range of coaching qualifications and opportunities to coach professionally they are now seeing a steady stream of young and talented coaches come through the ranks.

So how are Monkton and the ARA producing these coaches of the future? Well, many of you may not know that four (including yours truly) GTA's went on from Monkton to work for the ARA/Henley Stewards Scholarship Coach position. This position was aimed at young graduates who were looking for a step up the ladder to professional coaching. The coach works with a variety of local clubs who are affiliated to several state schools. The SSC would coach in the schools and the Boat Clubs, and help to educate and learn from other coaches. The SSC would also study part time for a Masters qualification in a sports area.

After leaving Monkton I became the first ever SSC and worked in the North West with Hollingworth Lake RC, Runcorn RC and Liverpool Victoria RC. I also studied for a MSc. in Exercise and Nutrition Science. It was a wonderful opportunity and exposed me to all sorts of athletes and coaches. I firmly believe it was this position that led me back to Monkton and gave me the chance to prove myself as Director of Rowing.

Three other GTA's followed my path and have all become S.S.Coaches with the ARA:

Guy Troup (2003) graduated last summer and is now training to become a vicar.

Matthew Perkins (2004) graduated last summer and is now a coach at the University of Chester.

Jonathan Garrow (2005) is still studying and coaching for the ARA in the South West and we wish him luck in his final year.