Managing Director and CEO of Sports Direction

Nick Oakley is a level 2 RFU qualified rugby coach. Along with 6 CPD qualifications in many areas of rugby, Nick has qualifications in boxing, athletics and skills in SAQ fitness training. Having played Rugby, Football and Cricket all his life, he uses his own personal experience to help others in a professional manner. He has also completed the RFU Boxing level 1 in conditioning athletes, this relates well with fitness in all sports.

Currently the Bishops Stortford Rugby U18 Colts Head Coach, Nick finds this to be very beneficial to his coaching and overall understanding of Rugby. Other qualifications include 'coaching in primary schools athletics' with England Athletics which has broadened his qualifications even more.

Nick enjoys coaching and developing the skills and assets of others always giving 100% commitment and time to wherever and whatever he is doing.

Mike Drummond

Area Co-Ordinator 

Mike has taken part in all different types of sports and activities from climbing Everest base camp to playing rugby. His qualifications are in Level 1 sports leading and also a level 1 Football coaching. He is also looking to expand his knowledge by undergoing more coaching courses and qualifications in the near future. He currently takes part in rugby, football, mixed martial arts and has just finished a Extended National Diploma in Sport Development.

Here is what Mike has to say about coaching;

‘I love coaching all ages and helping people become better at what they enjoy, I can easily adapt my coaching style to the certain type of sport, age, gender and ability. I understand that sport is a huge part of our lives.I believe without the drive of sport participation in the country not only the health of the public will be in dispute but also community cohesion and the economy. I also believe I can make a difference personally and love to be able to help develop the youths understanding of the significance of physical education through my knowledge of sport and coaching.'

Andy Laws

Coach

Andy Laws, a student of Leeds Met University holds both UKCC1 and UKCC2 Cricket coaching qualifications.

Having played cricket all his life, Andy, was until recently the leading runs scorer in Cambridgeshire youth cricket history. Not only that but he was part of the Cambridgeshire CCC team that reached the Semi Final of the National One Day trophy in 2011. Andy signed for Middlesex CCC in 2009 and went on to be a regular in the 2^nd XI until a shoulder injury led to him having to stop playing and get surgery in 2011. Whilst at Middlesex, Andy was given a scholarship to Australia where he came second in the player of the year rankings in first grade cricket at 19 years old and also captained the U19s and Academy Sides at the club.

Andy has clearly excelled with the playing side of cricket, however as a coach, Andy delivers quality sessions at a very high level. Coaching is one of Andy’s real interests and has done so since the age of 17. He also has a keen interest in psychology of sport and working with all abilities.