Following Russell’s recent retirement after many years dedication in coaching our junior athletes, we are delighted that he was announced as joint winner of the Chris and Jenny Slyfield Trophy for Outstanding Service to Sport in Godalming at the recent Sport Godalming 2015 Awards.
Russell received his award during a terrific evening at the newly refurbished Wilfred Noyce Centre on 22nd January. Waverley Harriers were part of a large audience celebrating the success and achievements of local athletes, sports people and volunteers.
Russell’s full citation reads:
Russell has enthusiastically lead the Juniors coaching at Waverley Harriers for 20 years, he has provided an
outstanding level of coaching to local children over that period, his passion and commitment to the junior athletes
and the club has been second to none. For personal reasons he will be standing down as lead coach at the end of
2015, he will be sorely missed by the children and parents of south west Surrey and of course by Waverley Harriers.
There are many local children and parents who sing Russell’s praises for his outstanding contribution to local
athletics.
Coaching children from a wide spectrum of local schools, Russell has used the best facilities available to him to
conduct his Juniors athletics training, including Charterhouse and Rodborough schools. He has provided coaching
that is comprehensive, thorough and inspirational, making sure that children of all abilities get involved. His
encouragement and guidance has seen many children progress with their athletics and selfconfidence.
Only the other day I met a parent from Busbridge who told me their son had been coached by Russell as a child, and
retaining a love of fitness in their 20s they now compete in ultramarathons!
Russell has embraced a collaborative spirit with other clubs, often joining forces at competitions if it benefited the
children. Over the years he has fielded Juniors teams into many local competitions including Quadkids and Juniors
running events in Surrey. His wife, Heather, who has supported Russell over the years with his coaching must also
be thanked, for they have been a formidable and committed team throughout.
