Our Volunteers
All of our committee members and coaches are volunteers but we are also mums and dads of current or previous riders so we understand what it is like to watch your beloved offspring achieve their first full circuit of the track unaided, jump a tricky section that has been eluding them for months or win their first race as well as the disappointment of losing to a rival or (as does happen from time to time) take a tumble at a critical moment. We understand how important it is to know that they are in safe hands while training so, in order that they are not total strangers to you on your first visit, below is a little bit about some of those who run the sessions.
Our Coaches
Eric Esslemont
Club Chairman, Head Coach (BC Level 2 BMX), Event Commissionaire and font of all knowledge regarding bikes. What he doesn't know about BMX racing (and many other disciplines besides), isn't worth knowing
Willie Plowman
BC Level 2 BMX Coach and Club Vice Chairman, Willie has been with the club since his own boys were young and, as the longest serving member of the club he has seen it grow from humble beginnings. Also, he cooks a mean BBQ at the clubs summer events.
Tom Odling
Club Treasurer and BC Level 1 coach Tom also races both 20" and Cruiser for Andover and the Army BMX team. An inspiration for many of the "Rad Dads" who ride, he suspects that his young lad will one day be faster than he but, for the time being, he's enjoying being the quickest Odling at the club.
Assistant Coaches
George
Another Dad/Rider/Coach, George has been with Andover for a few years and has seen success on track at a regional level with both of his children following suit
Arne
Newly qualified BC Level 1 Coach, Arne has also been riding for Andover for many years. He is also a member of Team AIR
Annabel
Newly qualified BC Level 1 Coach, Annabel has also been riding for Andover for many years. She is also a member of Team Mind
Extended Committee
Kat Odling
Kat is our Membership Officer and ensures that membership fees and records are kept up to date but can also be found running the tuckshop, keeping the coaches mugs topped up on cold days and providing a warm friendly welcome to all riders old and new. Just look out for the lady with the clipboard.
Siobhan Cavanagh
Welfare Officer for the club Siobhan works as a professional in a safeguarding role so is more than qualified to deal with any tricky or sensitive situation. Always there in case a rider or parent have a concern that requires her assistance she is in charge of all safegauding and protection issues.
Luther Hindley
Media Officer for the club, Luther maintains the website, social content and promotes the club at local events. He also brings his PA to races and occasionally dabbles in video streaming of BMX events. An eclectic taste in music, listen out for the odd "curve ball" during race events
There are of course plenty other parents who contribute enormously each week sweeping and maintaining the track, setting up/taking down/running gates, fixing equipment, cleaning club bikes/helmets etc and we wouldn't have such a successful club without their help and assistance. There are always opportunities to help out in some way or other and we are a very friendly bunch so feel free to ask us for more info if you want to know more 😊