Peter Sheppard joins World Class Coaching Elite Programme

Peter Sheppard, the GB Rowing Team’s Chief Coach for U23s and Juniors, is among the latest intake of high-performance professionals into UK Sport’s World Class Coaching: Elite Programme.

Twelve coaches from a range of sports have been selected this week due to their proven ability to deliver success at the highest level within the British high-performance system.

Under Sheppard’s guidance GB’s young rowers have performed admirably on the international stage, winning six medals at the World U23 and three at the World Junior Championships in 2015.

The squads also provide a pathway to the senior team, with a number of rowers aiming to compete at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games having developed through the Junior and U23 ranks.

The Elite Programme allows unparalleled access to world-leading expertise, technology and experiences, while delivery of the programme is designed to meet the needs of every individual and sport.

Sheppard will benefit from a three-year development programme, with an investment of approximately £20,000 per individual per year.

Liz Nicholl, Chief Executive of UK Sport, said: “I’d like to congratulate the individuals selected as part of UK Sport’s latest World Class Coaching: Elite Programme cohort.

“They have already experienced success and are committed to doing whatever it takes to be the very best they can be. ‎On the Elite Programme they will have the opportunity to learn with each other, from each other and from experts in other sports and industries.

“We look forward to supporting their further development to benefit not just themselves but also their sport and the athletes they work alongside.”

Graham Taylor, UK Sport’s Head of Coaching, added: “The aim of the Elite Programme has always been to support world-class coaches in this country to become world leading in their respective fields.

“Those selected in the latest intake possess technical ability of the highest quality and proven track records of success but we want to take their skills and understanding to the next level.

“Much like previous years, these coaches will support, learn from and inspire each other to innovate and anticipate, while engendering these characteristics in their athletes and teams to make brilliance business as usual in their sport.”

Joining Sheppard in the Elite Programme are Dave Alloway (GB Boxing), Simon Amor (Rugby Football Union), Paula Dunn (British Athletics), Barry Fudge (British Athletics), Ady Hinchliffe (British Diving), Paul Manning (British Cycling), Mel Marshall (British Swimming), Mark Ratcliffe (British Canoeing), Tony Zummack (British Curling) and Gareth Southgate (Football).