Welcome to the Bruce Longden Coaching Foundation

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Bruce Longden Coaching Foundation

The Foundation was established in memory of Bruce, who was so unexpectedly, and quickly, taken from our lives in July 2012.
The purpose of the Foundation is two-fold, as the Trust Deed states:

(a). To promote the development of Coaches in track and field athletic events, and specifically in hurdling events, by:
(i) either funding or sponsoring attendance at coach education courses, seminars or workshops, provided by recognised athletic organisations and/or bodies for this purpose; OR
(ii). through attendance at coach education courses, seminars or workshops specifically sponsored and arranged for that purpose by the Trustees of the Charity; OR
(iii). through the use of a “mentor” specifically nominated by the Trustees of the Charity for that purpose;

(b). To promote the development of athletes in hurdling events by:
(i). either funding or sponsoring attendance at coaching workshops or seminars, provided by recognised athletic organisations and/or bodies for this purpose; OR
(ii). through attendance at coaching workshops or seminars, specifically sponsored and arranged for that purpose by the Trustees of the Charity; OR
(iii). through the use of a “mentor” specifically nominated by the Trustees of the Charity for that purpose; OR
(iv) to promote and/or hold competitive events.”

There are no boundaries to the people who can benefit from either of these purposes, anywhere in the world.

Bruce’s passion was to help coaches, at all levels, and he was fantastic at doing so. Whether it was with a school teacher helping their pupils, or a club coach trying to enhance their knowledge that they could pass on to their athletes, or just sitting down and ‘shooting the breeze’ with international coaches, that would increase his own knowledge to implement with his own athletes, or to pass onto others. His philosophy as a coach was you never, ever stop learning.

The Foundation is committed to helping coaches from any country that has little, or no, coaching development, or just those who need advice.

Sally Gunnell, a Trustee of the Foundation, and coached by Bruce, has always believed that staying with your coach throughout your career is something that is very important, your skills can be developed at the same time.

Although Bruce coached almost all the track and field event groups, at some stage during his coaching career, the event group that always remained his main passion was Hurdles.

The Foundation supports ‘Hurdles’ at all levels, assisting with equipment, helping athletes find coaches, running workshops and courses, supporting hurdles competitions, and helping current hurdles coaches, and athletes, to develop further.

View tributes to Bruce Longden

General Information

Quotes from Gold Medalists

He was a dedicated and knowledgeable coach, a great thinker, and above all, a decent man. He will be greatly missed by many.
Sally Gunnell OBE
Bruce Longden, one of the best coaches this country has ever produced. It was an honour to have you in my life.
Daley Thompson Olympic gold medal Holder