The Central Coast Academy of Sport continues the ‘Our People Series’. A series of media alerts designed to shine the spotlight on the amazing work done by a committed group of highly qualified individuals, today we shine the spotlight on Larry Spencer the Mentor Coach of the Mingara Athletics Program.
Larry Spencer- Athletics
Larry Spencer has well and truly established himself as one of the most eminent sprint coaches within New South Wales and specifically, right here on the Central Coast. Larry has coached several athletes who have represented Australia, including Maddie Powell, Matt Lynch, his daughter Lisa Spencer and most prominently 2010 Commonwealth Games gold medalist, Kevin Moore.
When the athletics program began within the Central Coast Academy of Sport in 2006 it was obvious that someone of Larry’s stature within the sport needed to be involved for the program to reach it’s full potential for the athletes within the athletics squad. In the time since, Larry has acted as an assistant coach, head coach and consultant to the Academy’s athletics program with great effect.
Larry was involved in numerous sports over his career including Hockey, Cricket and Tennis but he always found his way back to Athletics. Larry is a life member of Little Athletics and continues his role as a Mingara Club coach and Personal Squad coach to this day. Larry’s coaching philosophy is to provide a supportive learning and pathway to allow your athletes to be the best they can be, as a person and athlete. As Larry says
“Get the process right, build the foundations for speed development and then add in the race specifics….in terms of energy systems and race modelling. You must be a good manager and communicator.”
On his involvement with CCAS Larry says
“CCAS provides an important link between Junior & Senior Sport, providing necessary technical knowledge and required education in areas that enable progression in the sport.”
Larry believes that pathways in this sport need to be improved.
“There is a drop off in the sport as athletes move from Little Athletics’ to Open Senior competition. The coaches and CCAS are in a position to support and aid the development of these 16-23 year olds. Coaches need to be developed….solid mentoring and networking have aided me through the quagmire of technical and program application.
The Central Coast Academy of Sport’s athletics program is better thanks to Larry Spencer’s significant provision of his time and knowledge across many aspects of athletics. Larry is a passionate advocate for the development of local athletes here on the Central Coast. Congratulations and thanks to Larry for his support of the CCAS and the many local athletes who have been supported by his genuine care and commitment to athletics.
