MatchFit Movement is passionate about developing the physical capabilities of children and adolescents and helping them fall in love with being active for life. Whether the goal is to improve fitness for sport or simply to enjoy moving, we create an environment where young people can build competence, confidence, and a lifelong connection to physical activity.
Unique to MatchFit Movement is that our coaches are also active researchers and educators in the field of youth athletic development training and motor learning (here). In addition, they share extensive experience working in professional, elite, and clinical settings across a range of different sports including football, basketball, rugby, Gaelic football, and diving.
Dr 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.
Dr Jason Moran PhD
Jason is a prolific researcher in the field of youth athletic development and strength and conditioning, with 150+ publications in peer reviewed scientific journals, and is ranked in the top 10 globally for muscle strength research (ExpertScape). Accordingly, Jason brings a wealth of expertise in relation to maturity timing and effective athletic development training strategies .
In his PhD thesis, titled the effectiveness of resistance, plyometric and sprint training at different stages of maturation in male youth athletes, Jason examined the responsiveness of youth populations to different training types across different phases of maturation. His research has been cited many times and has heavily influenced the strength and conditioning practices of those working with youth athletes.
Jason is a UKSCA accredited strength and conditioning coach, with vast experience working with athletes across different ages and sports, including rugby union and Gaelic football. As a former professional rugby player, having represented Leinster and Ireland U21, Jason has a deep appreciation of high performance environments.
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.