Meet the team
Established in 2023 by co-founders Tom and Katherine, NESC is supported by an experienced coaching team with the aim of inspiring strength in the Darlington community and beyond
TOM
Strawbridge
NESC Co-Founder
Strength and
Powerlifting Coach
Qualifications/Certs
Level 3 PT
BSc Hons Sports Science
Speciality
Powerlifting
Coaching
Programme-only
Online coaching
Semi-private coaching
1-to-1 coaching
Favourite movement
Back squat
Least favourite...
Running!
Favourite post-workout snack
Squares bar
Favourite workout tune
Lost in the Static by After The Burial
KATHERINE
Strawbridge
NESC Co-Founder
Gym Manager
Class Coach
Qualifications/Certs
PE Teacher
Rugby coach
Trampolining coach
Personal trainer
Speciality
Sports coaching
Group HITT
General fitness coaching
Coaching
1-to-1 coaching
Small group coaching
Favourite movement
Rear foot elevated split squats
Least favourite...
Burpees
Favourite post-workout snack
Chocolate chip salted caramel Grenade bar
Favourite workout tune
Anything Avril!
OLIVER ‘Telf’
Telfer
Coach
Qualifications/Certs
Level 3 PT
Level 2 PT
Speciality
Sports performance
General physical and mental wellbeing coaching
Coaching
1-to-1 coaching
One off programming
Online coaching
Favourite movement
Deadlifts... plus... leg press, squats, and dumbbell curls for good measure
Least favourite...
Barbell bench press
Favourite post-workout snack
Protein yoghurt or protein mousse
Favourite workout tune
Zombie by The Cranberries
ANDY
Woodward
Coach
Class coach
Qualifications/Certs
MSc Strength and Conditioning
BA (hons) Sport & Physical Ed.
Gym Instructor Level 2
UK Athletics Level 3 Performance Coach
Netball Level 1 Coach
UK Athletics and England Netball Strength and Conditioning Certificates
Kettlebell Instructor Qualification
TRX Instructor Qualification
Rugby League Level 2 Coach
Rugby Union and Volleyball Level 1 Coach
Tennis and Cricket Teachers Awards
Speciality
Youth athlete development
Sport specific strength and conditioning
Coaching
1-to-1 coaching
Youth athlete development PT
Para-athlete, sports team, and winter sport strength and conditioning coaching
Favourite movement
Compound movements
Least favourite...
None!
Favourite post-workout snack
Peanut butter and jelly Grenade bar
Favourite workout tune
Metalingus by Alter Bridge
STACE
Flinn
Coach
Class coach
Qualifications/Certs
Level 2 Group Training
Level 2 Gym Instructor
Level 3 PT
Level 2 Studio Cycling
Speciality
Group HIIT
Studio cycling
Coaching
Small group personal training
Personal training packages
Favourite movement
Wall walk
Least favourite...
Pull ups!
Favourite post-workout snack
Babybel
Favourite workout tune
Find me by Sigma / VIP remix
KELLY-JO
Robson
Coach
Qualifications/Certs
Personal Training L3
British Weightlifting L2
Strength and Conditioning L4+
BSc(Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
Gymnastics L2
Corrective exercise specialist qualified
Performance enhancement specialist qualified
Speciality
Weightlifting coach
Strength and conditioning
Flexibility training
Coaching
1-to-1 coaching
Group coaching
Online programming
Favourite movement
Snatch
Least favourite...
Deadlift
Favourite post-workout snack
Chocolate
Favourite workout tune
Lose Yourself by Eminem
ADAM
Haydon
Coach
Qualifications/Certs
Level 3 PT
BSc Hons Exercise Science
Speciality
Beginner friendly strength coaching
Coaching
Programme-only
Online coaching
1-to-1 coaching
Weightloss and habit coaching
Favourite movement
Bench press
Least favourite...
Bicep curls
Favourite post-workout snack
Lidl bakery pretzel
Favourite workout tune
Liquor & Cigarettes by Chase & Status
CLAIRE
Castle
Coach
Qualifications/Certs
Level 3 PT
Level 2 Assistant Rowing Coach (British Rowing)
Level 3 GP Referral
Speciality
Muscle building
Body recomp
Gym confidence
Coaching
Online coaching
1-to-1, 2-to-1 coaching
Nutrition plans and guidance
Favourite movement
Romanian deadlift
Least favourite...
Bulgarian split squats
Favourite post-workout snack
Eggs on toast
Favourite workout tune
Breathe by The Prodigy
TOM
Andrews
Coach
Massage Therapist
Qualifications/Certs
BA Sports Coaching & Development
UK Athletics Performance Coach
Level 4 Sports Massage Therapy
Level 3 Personal Training
Speciality
Performance sport
Athletic development
Coaching
Sport performance coaching
Personal training
Soft tissue therapy and sports massage
Group training
Favourite movement
Leg press
Least favourite...
Bench press
Favourite post-workout snack
Chocolate squares bar
Favourite workout tune
Thank you by Busta Rhymes
CURTIS
Metcalfe
Coach
Massage Therapist
Qualifications/Certs
BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy & Rehabilitation
Level 3 Sports Massage
Level 3 Personal Trainer
Speciality
Movement & injury rehabilitation
Sport-specific coaching
Strength training
Coaching
1-2-1 personal training
Small group training
Movement & injury rehabilitation
Athlete development
Favourite movement
Deadlift
Least favourite...
Bench press
Favourite post-workout snack
Chicken Wrap
Favourite workout tune
Points of Authority by Linkin Park