Coaching & Group Lead Team

Coaching & Group Lead Team

Coaching & Group Lead Team

Coaching & Group Lead Team

James Vancliff

level 3 event group specialist

James Vancliff is a passionate and enthusiastic Level 3 Athletics Coach, known for his dynamic coaching style. He has expertise in a range of events, including Inter Sprints, Junior Sprints, Long Jump / Triple Jump, and Throwing. His energy and dedication to athletics ensure that every session is engaging and tailored to help athletes reach their potential.

Level: Level 3

License:

Jeff Manson

Coach in running fitness 

A specialist cross-country and distance coach. He is a member of Surrey Schools Athletics Association and has combined coaching at Holland with school sessions based at Oxted School for cross-country running and middle distance.

Level: Level 1 coaching Assistant / Coach in Running Fitness 

License: 3519888

Jeff Manson
William McGinnis

William McGinnis

coaching assistant

Will is a dedicated Coaching Assistant who leads our javelin sessions and supports James in delivering high-quality training across the club. Passionate about athletics and athlete development, Will brings energy, enthusiasm, and a hands-on approach to every session.

Whether guiding athletes through technical javelin drills or helping out during group training, Will plays a key role in creating a positive, supportive environment for all members to grow and succeed.

Level: Assistant / Level 1

License: 3581993

Neil danby

Lead Seniors Coach

 

Lead Seniors Coach
International Level 3 Coach

Neil brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to our senior coaching team, drawing on over four decades of elite experience as both an athlete and coach. A former Olympian and Olympic Assistant Coach, Neil has also competed as a world-class Masters athlete and guided athletes to podium finishes at both national and international championships.

As an internationally accredited Level 3 Speed-Endurance Coach, Neil has worked alongside top-tier performance teams and institutions, including the British Olympic Research Centre, where he’s blended cutting-edge sports science with a grounded, athlete-first coaching philosophy. His approach reflects a unique synergy between evidence-based training and the practical wisdom earned through years on the track, roads & country both as an athlete and as a coach.

From Couch to 5K runners to high-performance competitors, Neil’s supportive and highly adaptable coaching style ensures athletes of all levels feel guided, challenged, and empowered. Whether you’re building aerobic base, refining your mechanics, or chasing a personal best, Neil provides the strategic insight and encouragement to help you realise your potential.

Level: Level 3

License: 3692991

Chris Blackburn

Level 2: Coach in Running Fitness

Chris brings decades of experience in middle-distance running, with a proven track record of success at the highest levels. In recent years, he has earned multiple podium finishes at National and Great Britain events, secured national team selections in both cross country and road racing, and consistently ranked in the top 10 of the World Masters rankings.

He embodies the Holland Athletics Club philosophy that running is for everyone whether you’re chasing elite performance or taking your first steps into running. Chris’ aim is that everyone enjoys being active, knows how to improve and is supported in that improvement, that they enjoy being outdoors and being part of a positive, welcoming sports club and community.

License: 2786696