Scottish Athletics technical official and Head Coach of Cumbernauld AAC Stephen Wallace has been appointed by the UKA Members to the role of Vice President of UK Athletics.

Wallace, an IT professional, made a return to the sport of his youth when he competed in a 5k with his oldest son back in 2009. Weeks after taking his son to Cumbernauld AAC – his club from previous involvement – he was signed up to assist as a Parent Helper, supporting the coaching team to help deliver track and field sessions to U13 Athletes. In 2012 he became Club Secretary.

The 2018 Scottish Athletics Volunteer of the Year continued to develop his Coaching experience, with of a key focus on developing Long Sprints and Middle-Distance Athletes, achieving both the Athletics Coach and Event Group Coaching badges in Sprints & Hurdles and Endurance.

With experience supporting national teams, (both Scottish Athletics & Scottish Schools), as a Team Manager, he has also built a holistic view of the sport through his progress as a technical official as member of the Scottish Athletics Start Team, undertaking both Start Assistant and Starters roles.

In 2023 Wallace became Cumbernauld AAC’s Head Coach working alongside the coaching team to oversee the development of Track & Field events for U11’s up to Masters, to help create, review, and evolve a Club Competition Pathway, as well as the Athlete and Coach Development Pathway on an annual basis to reflect the Club’s Membership.

As the newly appointed Vice President, Wallace will support President Denise Lewis working with the UKA Members.

He said: “It’s a great privilege to be given the opportunity to undertake the role of Vice President for the UKA Members, and I am looking forward to collectively working with Denise and all the UKA Members to continue to evolve all the great work that has been done thus far.”

UKA Chair Ian Beattie said: “I am delighted to welcome Stephen to the role of Vice President, and look forward to working closely with him.  He has a huge amount of experience as a Coach, Official, and Club Leader, and his insight will be of great benefit to the sport as a whole.

“I am sure he will provide a high level of support to Denise in her role as President, and be a useful sounding board for Jack, the executive team and the Board.”

The UKA Members have a key role in providing high level input on the vision and direction of UK Athletics.  The members are consulted on the development of the strategy for the sport, debate significant issues relating to Athletics, act as a ‘sounding board’ for the Board and the wider executive providing constructive challenge and advisory opinions.