Our Coaches
Harley has been working in the aquatic field for 10 years and rose from starting out as a lifeguard in 2009 to becoming a multi national award winning swimming teacher within 5 years. This then led to him being offered the opportunity to coach on the London Aquatics Performance Programme, a Olympic legacy programme which saw him develop young swimmers from Learn to Swim to a regional standard as well as experience coaching some of the top swimmers in the country alongside GB Coach Lisa Bates. He also has experience coaching in the middle east with the biggest swimming club in Abu Dhabi.
Harley now works on behalf of Swim England delivering training to new and existing swimming teachers around the country and abroad. He is relishing the challenge of being Head Coach at a club with Olympic history and so close to his local roots.
In my youth I was a competitive swimmer who swam at County and National Level . Backstroke was my best stroke and then in my older years ( much older!) I went on to compete for Great Britain in Age Group Triathlon over sprint and standard distance. I’ve done Europeans and World Championships. Sadly Injury forced me to stop and I decided to get back into coaching. I still swim competitively but prefer longer distances now. A chance meeting with some of the Gators Girls at open water swimming connected me with the club and I'm loving every minute of it.
Uzma prides herself on having classes that are full of vibrant enthusiasm, they vary from non to competitive swimmers. After completing her masters in Finance Uzma found self fulfillment in teaching.
"The most important thing is having a love for teaching, taking on individuals and seeing them grow has a beauty which is unparalleled, once you have that everyday and every lesson gives you job satisfaction and seeing your children progress is what makes it all worthwhile".
Jerry has been a Level 3 coach since 1998. He has previously coached at Epping and also had spells coaching with Swim 4 tri as well Coaching on Swim trek adventure holidays for 10 years around the UK and Europe.
Jerry has been an open water coach for the last 20 years and has personally achieved the amazing feat of swimming the English Channel solo.
Katie Wood - Chartered Physiotherapist (BSc Hons, MCSP, HCPC, CSP)
Katie studied BSC Physiotherapy at The University of Hertfordshire and gained a 1st class honours degree becoming qualified as a Chartered Physiotherapist in 2017. While studying Katie gained experience in sport, working with Leyton Orient FC. Since qualifying Katie works in the NHS full time and continues her part time work in sport at Arsenal FC Academy. Katie has worked as a physiotherapist in multiple sports including swimming, diving, badminton, netball and wrestling at World stage events such as Rio 2016 Olympics and 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth games. Katie promotes physiotherapy as well as strength and conditioning in competitive sport with a focus not only with injury management but to enhance performance. Katies vision is to enable athletes in and out of competition to be the most physically prepared while taking a holistic approach towards an individual. Katies career ambitions are within sport and musculoskeletal physiotherapy where she will broaden her experience and knowledge by undertaking masters modules in these areas.
Daniel is energetic, enthusiastic, and encouraging; he always strives to see his swimmers achieve at their highest level. Throughout his sessions he aims for them to be fun, engaging as well as focusing on development of each stroke. His favourite strokes to teach are Breaststroke and Butterfly.
“I really enjoy the pleasure it is to be able to teach swimming of all levels, from preschool, through to adults. I find each lesson rewarding, and generally appreciate the ability to have a positive impact in the lives of young people.”
In his spare time he enjoys all things speedboats and water. Since he was younger regularly watersking, wake-boarding and other extreme water sports