Dan began his journey at Esher Sixth Form College as a Trainee Teacher in September 2022. Although he had completed a degree in Physical Education many years prior, Dan’s career initially took a different path.

Dan spent his early career years in corporate sales and event management. Before too long, he was drawn back to the world of sport becoming increasingly involved in junior sports coaching. Dan was also delivering training to individuals and groups in their professional role. This combination of experiences inspired him to merge his passion for sports coaching and training with education, ultimately pursuing a career as a teacher.

What do you enjoy about teaching Sport and PE?

Sports coaching offers students an opportunity to express themselves with confidence in a sporting environment, where they may not have the same confidence in a classroom. I want to get the message across to students that there are clear employability skills being developed by taking a sports coaching qualification.

Coaching their peers, improves their confidence for public speaking; Having to plan a coaching session, develops good time management and planning skills. Giving clear instructions and constructive feedback, enhances their presentation skills. Seeing my students develop all these key life skills, brings me great enjoyment.

What sport do you love and why?

Running. I have always run and whenever I’m away for weekends or holidays, I always go for a run to get a feel for a local area. I need to run amongst the trees and nature; Esher Woods, Oxshott Common or Bushy Park are some of my favourite routes.

What skills or attributes do you look for in your players/ team?

I have coached both football and netball at Esher. I like players to buy into a squad spirit where we play as a team and give support and encouragement to one another.

What was your most successful moment as a coach of the netball team?

We haven’t won anything as of yet, but I’m really proud of building a squad who have successfully gelled together and who are consistent in their attendance and dedication to training and matches each week.

What words of wisdom would you give your 16 year old self?

I would urge my 16-year-old self to be bold and to try new things, learn new skills and not put barriers in place to my own learning.

If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be?

I probably would have been an osteopath or a physiotherapist. Something that built on my sports degree and that opened a door into working with sports teams.