Testimonials

Below are a selection of testimonials from coaches, colleagues, other Strength and Conditioning Professionals, but most importantly Athletes. Apologies for the length of some of them, but I'm proud of what's said and make no apologies for not picking and choosing the nice parts of what's said...

Zachariah Gachette (One Health Sheffield Sharks)

Zac is a Guard playing for One Health
Sheffield Sharks Basketball playing in the 
British Basketball League. He is also involved 
with England and Great Britain 
Development Squads.
A funny guy, definitely worth a follow at;
@Zachariah_GoGo 

"In my past experiences I have had S&C coaches who tend to generalise their training regimes, using them for athletes from the different sporting disciplines regardless of the demands of their given sport. It was Gary’s ability to individualise my training programmes and workouts that has allowed me to improved my performance within the S&C suite. Furthermore his ability to relate and tailor sessions to different sports has been the underlying factor that has influenced an increase in my performance, as he has always provided justifications for every exercise prescribe to me. Showing the relevance of the exercise and how it would potentially benefit me and my sporting performance as a Basketball athlete. The nature of all my programs provided by Gary have involved workouts and movements that have made it exceptionally easier for me to transfer the skills and techniques learned with the S&C suite onto the basketball court, when applied to practice and game situations. Whilst Gary was also responsible for providing S&C services for my entire team, I would consider myself one of the players who needs additional attention with S&C. This is due to the fact that my current physical build and capabilities require an increased amount of work compared to all of my teammates. Whilst we all play the same sport and generally require the need to work on a number of the same aspects of S&C, my development has also been dependant on the fact that I have been treated as a individual oppose to been given workouts that my team have been given to complete together within the S&C suite. On many occasions I have had workouts that have been given to my team tailored to my own personal needs. This has also involved Gary going beyond his call of duty communicating with my coaches and physiotherapists in order to gain a better understanding of my physical wellbeing and health. Gaining a better understanding of my activity levels and how hard I can potentially push myself within the gym, as my sporting and studying commitments alone are extremely demanding both physically and mentally. This shows his dedication to helping athletes improve, and his ability to help maximise performance enhancement whilst utilising his skills, abilities and knowledge as an S&C coach."



Danny Wilson, BSc. (Hons) (Sheffield United FC and High Performance Hallam Intern)

Danny is a developing S&C coach, who is now on 
the cusp of UKSCA accreditation and 
developing a thriving Blog and program of his own.
Interested in football, boxing and combat sport, I
hope he'll contribute to the blog very soon!
Visit him at;
 www.wilsonstrength.blogspot.co.uk
Or on Twitter at;
@Wilson_SC91

During my HPH internship, Gary was always open to ask for advice as he was a great contributor to my professional development as a coach, a practitioner and as an academic. He was always approachable and would go out of his way to help. He consistently showed an extended knowledge in coaching, exercise and program techniques. He delegated tasks within the S and C suite and got the junior interns working on interesting and challenging projects. He gave great advice on issues I came across whilst working on my dissertation, including project ideas, testing and statistical analysis. Through coaching observation, Gary really impressed me with how he adapts his coaching style, through his content and approach, between different groups (children, students and peers) and individuals."

Rachel Bragg (Great Britain Women's Volleyball Player and Olympian)

Rachel's an Outside Hitter and played in the most
successful Great Britain Women's Volleyball team
in history. She competed at the London 2012
Olympic Games, making great contribution
to the team achieving their pre-Games target
of 1 win and raising their world ranking to 20th.
Follow Rachel on Twitter at;
@bambi_bragg

“Having had the brief but invaluable experience of having Gary as a Strength and Conditioning coach over the biggest sporting summer of my life. I can honestly say I would not have made Olympic selection if it wasn't for the approach he took with my training. We had a very limited time frame to work with for me to be at the peak of fitness. This was overcome by working together on additional training outside of the scheduled team sessions.”

James Collett (1st XV Sheffield Hallam Rugby Union)

James is an Outside Back playing in the
BUCS Premier North B, alongside study
for a degree in Sport and Exercise Science.
Follow James on Twitter at;
@JimboJC7

"Training with Gary has taken me to new levels with my performance. The high level of professionalism he brings to each session along with a friendly, approachable manner ensure I get the most out of the time I put into training. With changing physical requirements throughout the year its great to have Gary there to help me alter my training programme and nutritional demands. He is a great asset to have and constantly brining the latest information to share and implement into my training sessions."

George Ratcliffe (Wales U21 International - Hockey)

George currently plays his hockey for Sheffield
Hallam University and 1st XI Doncaster Hockey
Club. He's an exceptionally diligent trainer
and is definitely worth a follow on Twitter
at;
@gratcliffe1

“Over the past 18 months Gary has been a massive help, firstly getting me started in S&C and then writing really good programs specific to my sport, and supporting me through that with coaching and always being there to lend a hand if I'm struggling with a lift or session. During the 18 month period of working with Gary my strength levels have increased massively. This has led to noticeably higher levels of speed, power and agility on the pitch, making me a much stronger player overall.”

Mike Shaw (Wales International - Hockey)

Mike is currently playing for Sheffield Hallam
Civica Hockey Club. The rest he's said in his
testimonial. Great lad, follow him on
Twitter at;
@mikeshaw42

"Having Gary's knowledge and experience available to me over the last 18 months has been a massive help during my strength and conditioning training.  He has provided an excellent quality of training programmes aswell as offering friendly advice during sessions to ensure safe and efficient training.  Gary arranged weekly team S&C sessions for the university Mens 1st team hockey squad which have benefited us hugely, helping to push us into 2nd place for the first time in our 2 years in the Premier Division of the BUCS league.  On a more individual level, Gary has recently helped me achieve a place in the GB senior mens hockey training squad to put me in contention for the 2016 Olympic Games, aswell as helping me to maintain my place in the Wales senior mens hockey team."

More to Come.....