23 December 2008

UK Athletics (UKA) today announced that Kevin Tyler has been appointed as Strategic Head of Coaching and Development. As founder of the Canadian Athletics Coaching Centre, has developed a world class reputation for creating innovative and effective programmes for Coach Education, Athlete Development and Youth Development.

Tyler is a leading international coach in his own right, most recently coaching Tyler Christopher to 400m gold in the 2008 IAAF World Indoor Championships. But, it is in his role as a coach of coaches that he has had greatest impact. He has created a global online education resource – widely credited as one of the leading websites in the world for athletics coaching: www.athleticscoaching.ca

Kevin Tyler said: “I am so excited to be taking up this post with UK Athletics, which I believe is an organisation that has the potential to lead the world of athletics and coach development. We need to create an environment where coaches, at every level, are excited about being involved in the sport, and feel valued.”

Niels de Vos, Chief Executive, UK Athletics said: “I am delighted that Kevin will be joining the new team at UKA. He is without doubt one of the best coach educators in the world and his experience means we can move the crucial area of coach development forward very quickly.

“Kevin is an outstanding coach, but his real reputation is as a coach of coaches who makes things happen. He will lead all areas of elite coach education and development and will work closely with England Athletics to ensure there is a consistent and relevant approach to coaching throughout the sport.”

Tyler will take up his post at UK Athletics in February 2009, as will Head Coach Charles van Commenee and Paralympic Head Coach Peter Eriksson. This marks the completion of the triumvirate of key appointments at the helm of the sport, putting coaching at the very heart of a new era of athletics officialdom.