MatchFit Movement is passionate about the development of physical capabilities of children and adolescents, and helping them fall in love with being physically active across their lives. Whether for the purpose of improving fitness levels to enhance sports performance or to simply enjoy being active, MatchFit Movement aims to create an environment for young people to develop competence and confidence through movement.
Founder and Lead Coach, Mark Williams PhD
Mark is a UKSCA accredited strength and conditioning coach, and a senior lecturer and researcher with a special interest in youth athletic development and motor learning.
Mark has a PhD in Sport and Exercise Science, which focused on the importance of fundamental movement skills in the physical development of youth basketball players.
Mark has extensive experience as a coach and educator, having taught and coached since 2005. Positions he has held include Head of Strength and Conditioning at Southend United Football Club (2011-2017), Strength and Conditioning Lead to Great Britain Men’s and Women’s Basketball Squads (2015-2018), and currently the Strength and Conditioning Lead to Basketball England. In 2022, Mark oversaw the physical preparation of the Men’s and Women’s 3×3 Basketball Squads at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
In addition, Mark has provided strength and conditioning support to athletes across different sports and levels, including rugby, netball, and track and field. Mark continues to research in the area of youth athletic development, exploring how to best coach young people to improve their physical capabilities, enhance their physical and mental wellbeing, and increase performance. Through MatchFit Movement, Mark aims to provide children and young people with the opportunities to harness healthy habits and behaviours through movement and physical activity.
Strength & Conditioning Coach, Ryan Hemmings MSc
Ryan is a strength and conditioning coach, with a Masters degree in Strength and Conditioning obtained from the Middlesex University. Ryan is an Academy Coach at Arsenal Women’s Football Club, where he predominantly works with the U21s squad.
Prior to working for Arsenal Women’s Football Club, Ryan worked at Leyton Orient Football Club. Following a year-long internship with the Men’s 1st Team while completing his undergraduate degree, Ryan went on to working within the Academy (ages 9-16 years) and within the Girls Emerging Talent Programme.
Outside of football, Ryan has also worked with Basketball England, providing strength and conditioning support to under 14s and 15s players selected within the national governing body’s talent pathway. In this role, Ryan provided support to players at national and international camps and competitions.
Ryan has also worked with youth level rugby players, and ballet dancers with the English National Ballet company.
Ryan is passionate about athletic development in youth populations, helping them gain confidence, competence, and knowledge and engagement for lifelong physical literacy.
Coach and Mentor, Briony Findlay
Briony has a Bachelor’s degree from Oxford Brookes University in Geography and Sports Coaching & Physical Education. The modules she studied included Strength and Conditioning and Sports Pedagogy.
Briony has experience as a Team Leader, Lead Coach, Lead Instructor as well as a Sports Development Officer and Manager. She is qualified to coach and instruct in numerous physical activity sessions including Athletics, Archery, Kayaking and Paddle Boarding. In addition, Briony is currently working towards the UK Strength and Conditioning Association’s Trainer’s Award.
Within the last 10 years Briony has coached for a range of participants with varying needs and outcome goals. She has also designed and led on physical activity projects; predominantly focusing on youth and vulnerable populations such as those with SEND. She is a level 3 qualified safeguarding lead and has completed mental health in sport training which she uses to assist in the pastoral care of our athletes.
Briony volunteers and works for multiple organisations that encourage and promote physical activity. This includes facilitating counsellors in outdoor therapy practices, delivering DofE expeditions and marshalling at large scale cross country events.
Briony is inspired by participants and enjoys being able to see firsthand the mental, physical, and social benefits individuals gain by participating in physical activity and hopes to help young people develop and meet their personal goals.
Location
Our classes are delivered at the Rayleigh MegaCentre, 7 Brook Rd, Rayleigh SS6 7UT.