meet the coaches
Stirling Triathlon Club offers coached training sessions for people of all abilities from eager beginners to the more serious athlete.
The club has been recognised for its commitment to promoting sport and athletic development at both local and national level.
The coaching programme is delivered weekly by volunteer & paid coaches who are all qualified, registered with Triathlon Scotland and disclosure checked if they regularly coach children. The wider coaching team includes session leaders and other volunteers. This committed team all work to help you achieve your triathlon goals.
The club’s coaching programme all comes as part of your membership at Stirling Triathlon Club and sessions are available in all disciplines, with variations depending on the time of year.
The coaches are here to support your athletic goals and have vast knowledge and experience. Whether you are a complete beginner, returning to sport or new to the area, Stirling Triathlon Club prides itself in creating a friendly environment that we hope you will find both stimulating and rewarding.
matthew crawford
Head Swim Coach
Matthew is currently qualified as a Level 2 Triathlon coach, soon to be taking on his Level 3 in 2024. He competed for Stirling Triathlon Club as a youth and started to volunteer as a coach at the age of sixteen. He has since grown in his experience in coaching and now holds a more senior role within the club, where he is enthusiastic about progressing the club’s athletes at all levels!
WILL MANNERS
Will has been coaching wth Stirling Triathlon Club for 3 years and is a Level 2 Coach. Will started as a cycling time trialist in 1983 equipped with woollen shorts, nailed on metal cleats and down tube gear levers. Will’s first triathlon was in 1986 and he has since competed in a variety of distances and countries including several iron distance races and European age group Championships in middle distance duathlon and triathlon in 2024. Will has also coached and guided mountain biking, Nordic skiing and mountaineering. Favourite race? Alpe d’Huez Triathlon, France.
ali manners
Alison has been involved in Triathlon for over 10 years starting out in a novice event in her forties which shows its never too late to start! Over the years she has competed in triathlons at sprint, standard and 70.3 distances as well as taking part in Aquathlons and duathlons.
Having originally joined the club as a triathlon newbie and a very unconfident swimmer, being supported by encouraging and supportive coaches has really motivated Alison to become a coach herself this year and help others reach their goals. Alison regularly coaches at the Saturday morning swim session and plans to work towards the new Triathlon Scotland group coach award.
malkie mcintosh
Former competitive swimmer turned amateur triathlete 10 years ago. Now a level 1 coach, swim coach and personal trainer amongst other fitness related work. Mostly favour running for now but enjoy trying to help others improve (swimming) and set goals.
DOUGLAS WOOD
Doug is a level 1 coach who brings a broad experience to the coaching role. He believes that participation in sport and exercise is to be enjoyed, and aims to assist and encourage others to get the best out of themselves to achieve their goals whatever the level of aspiration.
He competes regularly in triathlons and takes part in championships at home and abroad as an age-group athlete. Author of the highly acclaimed book Renaissance Triathlete – enjoying sport as an older athlete, managing mind and body.
cameron burt
Cameron has been competing in triathlon across a range of distances for more than 10 years, shifting from rugby to triathlon way back in 2010. His first triathlon was Stirling’s very own sprint triathlon and he joined the club in 2020. He has continued to develop and grow as an athlete through great coaching and support at Stirling Tri Club and has represented Great Britain at the European Age Group Middle Distance Championships. Motivated by helping others to get the best out of their own journey in the sport, he became a foundation level coach in 2024.
paul easto
Paul’s introduction to the world of multisport came via adventure racing back in the 90s. After moving to the Highlands he joined the local triathlon club and over the last 15 years has competed in triathlon on and off road from sprint to long distance.
Currently working towards to the new Triathlon Scotland Group Coach award, Paul is also a qualified cycling and ski coach and has worked with athletes from novice to elite level. With a keen interest in the physical and mental wellbeing benefits of exercise and the outdoors, Paul is also a strong supporter of women’s sport and is the Team Manager for Scotland’s first junior women’s cycling team
