NW Talent Project

The North West Talent Project is organised in partnership with National Governing Bodies, Derry City Council and Sport Northern Ireland. The aim is to implement bespoke Governing Body programmes that will maximise the potential for Talent Development within the North West area in the sports of Wrestling, Mountaineering, Hockey and Rugby.

Objective 1: to develop a pool of coaches who can effectively deliver on future talent development programmes to help young performers to reach their potential.

Objective 2: to identify new and develop existing talent and integrate with the governing body performer pathway.

Objective 3: to share best working practice as coaches, reflect upon their coaching experience and address their future development needs.

At the moment the following coaches are benefiting from involvement in the programme:

Coach:	Barry Pollin	Sport:	Wrestling
Barry is a level 2 Wrestling Coach, who also holds a Judo coaching qualification. Barry also holds the position of chairman of the Northern Ireland Wrestling Association. He is a club coach with his local club the Waterside Sharks.
Coach:	Ron McGowan	Sport:	Wrestling
Ron is a UKCC level 1 Wrestling Coach currently working towards his Level 2 qualification. He also holds a UKCC Level 2 Judo qualification. Ron has recently been appointed as the Western Region representative for the NIJF. He is currently a club coach at the newly formed North West Spartans Wrestling Club.
Coach:	Martin McLaughlin	Sport:	Wrestling
Martin makes up the trio of wrestling coaches. He is a Level 2 Wrestling Coach who also coaches at the North West Spartans Club. As a competitor Martin is a former Northern Ireland squad member, previously competing in the 84kg category.
Coach:	Kathryn Rough	Sport:	Hockey
Kathryn is currently working towards her IHA Level 2 coaching qualification. At present her coaching activities involve working within Derry City Council programmes, with her local club Priorians and she has recently been appointed as assistant coach to the Ulster U-15 Development squad.
Coach:	Richard Fairman	Sport:	Hockey
Richard is an IHA Level 2 Hockey coach and the current Head Coach at Priorians. Richard has an interest in performance analysis technology and innovative ways to improve performance. He has a wealth of experience in playing and coaching in the North West area.
Coach:	Julie Winfield	Sport:	Mountaineering
Julie is an active member of the climbing scene in Derry for the last 7 years and is keen to develop further as a coach. She has extensive experience in both indoor and outdoor climbing and she aims to ensure this experience complements her coaching skills.
Coach:	Rodney Moore	Sport:	Mountaineering
Rodney is a volunteer coach at his local climbing club and is currently completing his Single Pitch Award. Rodney holds a degree in Sports Science and hopes to use his experience and knowledge to help climbers improve and maximise their potential.
Coach:	Emma Clarke	Sport:	Mountaineering
Emma is an aspiring coach who has previously worked in Queens University climbing wall. An avid climber herself, Emma is keen to work young climbers and help to develop the next generation of talented performers in Ireland.
Coach:	Kevin Kilroy	Sport:	Rugby
Kevin has over 9 years climbing experience and believes that a love of your sport is an essential ingredient for reaching your personal best. Kevin has climbed in various countries across Europe and is an active member of Queens University climbing club.
Coach:	Steven Duffy	Sport:	Rugby
Steven comes from a fitness background and also holds a rugby foundation coaching award. Steven currently coaches students at Foyle and Londonderry College and delivers their strength and conditioning programmes. Steven plays competitive rugby for City of Derry RFC.
Coach:	Gordon Curley	Sport:	Rugby
Gordon is a level 2 Rugby coach and has held the position of head coach at Letterkenny Rugby club since 2003. Gordon played for Athlone/ Buccaneers and Connaught XV between 1987 and 1995. He believes you get out of the game what you deserve.
Coach:	Richard Kernoghan	Sport:	Rugby
Richard is head coach at Coleraine Rugby Club and holds an IRFU Level 2 Coaching qualification. As a player he represented Ulster and Ireland at School Level. As a coach Richard bases his coaching style around honesty, discipline and communication.
Coach:	William Gibson	Sport:	Rugby
William is a level 2 Rugby coach with a background in weightlifting. He is currently coaching at Strabane Rugby Club and believes in creating a healthy environment to allow his teams to grow and develop as players and people.