Athletics Northern Ireland appoints New Director of Coaching and Athlete Development

Athletics Northern Ireland is very pleased to announce that it has appointed Jackie Newton as its new Director of Coaching and Athlete Development.

Jackie has worked as British Orienteering’s Performance Manager since November 2014. Her work has been in developing and implementing the strategy for the Talent and Performance Programme with the aim of identifying those with the ability to succeed at Junior World Orienteering Championships and World Orienteering Championships and to provide them with support that enables them to achieve excellence. 

She comes with a master’s degree in Coaching Studies and is a UKA level 3 coach. She has contributed to coach education for British Athletics through tutor, tutor development and the writing of content. She has acted as a team manager, for British Athletics, at cross country and mountain running events.

Before moving to her career in sport, Jackie taught for 14 years and combined this with a successful road running career. She represented Great Britain in the marathon (Hong Kong) and half marathon (Liverpool and World Half Marathon Championships) in 1997. She claimed the Manchester and Belfast Marathon titles in 1998.

Jackie said, “I am delighted to be joining Athletics Northern Ireland in this exciting role. Having regularly visited Northern Ireland for events and competitions, I am aware of the talent, passion and expertise that is available here and I look forward to meeting everyone next month when I take up the position.”

John Allen, General Secretary of Athletics Northern Ireland said “We are delighted to welcome Jackie as our new Director of Coaching and Athlete Development. Her mix of experience as a manager, coach and top class athlete will be invaluable and we look forward to her leadership of our coaching and development team as we look towards the next Commonwealth Games and beyond”