Our coaches are led by Head Coach Keely French who are here to help you reach your goals in triathlon, whether that is learning to swim front crawl, post a 5k PB, ride further than you thought possible, complete your first race or conquer an Ironman. You will get to know them all at our club session.

We frequently offer opportunities for our members to gain new coaching qualifications. If you are interested in volunteering as a coach with Castle Tri, we would love to hear from you!

KEELY FRENCH - Head Coach 

I joined Castle Tri when I was 16 and have loved being part of the club ever since. I have been coaching children and young adults since I was 16 and graduated from Northumbria University with first-class honours, BSc in Sports Coaching. I am currently in the process of completing my Level 2 triathlon coaching course. I am also a qualified Sports Massage Therapist.  

TONY FRENCH 

Former Royal Air Force Physical Training Instructor with over 30 years of coaching and teaching experience. I am currently working towards my Level 2 triathlon coaching qualification. My primary interest revolves around cycling and I regularly compete in cycling and triathlon events. 

KEITH NICHOLSON

I joined Castle Tri in 2019 and really enjoyed taking part in all distances of triathlon and duathlons, especially when the club have a strong turnout!  I am new to coaching, having recently completed my British Triathlon Coaching Assistance course and learning lots from the other coaches as well as from the the other athletes in the club.

SAMANTHA DAY

I become incolved in the club by taking part in the Couch 2 5k scheme in 2016. After being coached for several years I decided to become a coach myself to support others in their training. 

ALEX HUGHES 

MICKY SHORE

RICHARD HESLOP

Hello, I know what you are thinking; is he wearing pants in that photograph?*

I always thought I was a swimmer until I was persuaded to put a pair of trainers on, and it turned out I am definetly more of a runner. I realised one of my running clubs was short of Run Leaders and put my name forwards, they actually went for it, and I turned out to be alrigt at it. I am currently training to be a Coaching Assistant with a view to go on for my Level Two Athletics Coaching Certificate. 

I still enjoy swimming, I am just better at runing, as as for cycling...well...I am probably the least traithletic memeber of the Coaching Team having completed a total of 1.2 triathlons and destroying one bike in the process. I have promised to give it ONE more go, but....there's plenty of time for that. I also like cyptozoology, cultural history and folkore, paleohistory, and playing Magic: The Gathering. 

*Yes, but I'm not wearing trousers.