Meet the Team...

Tim Harris – Leisure Centre Manager

Tim came to Downton Leisure Centre in 2008 after years of working in the leisure industry as Assistant Fitness manager and Personal Trainer. He has a Degree in Sports Studies and NVQ level 3 in fitness and is a member of the Register of Exercise Professionals. Tim is also a keen marathon runner, and is in the Guinness Book of Records for running 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 weeks in 2006. He would like to pass on his enthusiasm for health, fitness and all things sporty to the local community and ensure the centres facilities are accessible to all members of the public.

Helena Dowding – Assistant Manager and Activities Co-ordinator

Helena joined the Leisure Centre in June 2008 as a fitness instructor after graduating with a Bsc (hons) in Health and Fitness and an FdSc in Sports Therapy at the University of Plymouth. Helena’s enthusiasm for all things sporty have varied from horse riding to running, using the gym and being a member of the Back to Netball Squad in Downton, for which she is looking forward to completing her UKCC Level 2 Netball Coaching. As well as assisting Tim with managing the Leisure Centre, Helena is in charge of the very successful holiday activity programme. She is keen to promote healthy living and participation in sports in the local community.

Allan Adlam – Duty Manager and Head Activities Coach

Allan joined the Leisure Centre under Beacon Leisure Management back in 2001. He has a degree in Sports and Recreation Management as well as being an FA Level 2 Football Coach and is qualified in many different sporting areas ranging from tag-rugby to cricket. After a period away working on his coaching business Allan has re-joined the team on a part-time basis whilst being heavily involved in the children’s activities run at the centre. He is a keen sportsman in all areas and his goal is passing on his knowledge to the younger generations in our community.

Sam Hawker– Fitness Coach and Gym Manager

Sam joined the Downton leisure centre team in 2004. He has NVQ Level 2 gym based exercise and fitness and is half way through his NVQ Level 3 personal training qualification. He is also a member of the register of exercise professionals. Sam also has a big interest in rugby and plays at a semi professional rugby 7s touring side which travels around the world, he has interests in extreme sports and marshal arts. Sam has been heavily involved in health and fitness all of his life and his goal is to spread his knowledge to other so people may enjoy keeping fit and healthy for years to come

Matt Arnold – Duty Manager and Fitness Instructor

Matt began working at Downton Leisure Centre in autumn 2009. He is a Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) certified Fitness Instructor (L2 – Gym). Matt spends much of his time in the gym, inducting new members, writing exercise programmes and reviews. He would like to see the gym continue to improve, and help as many people reach their health and fitness goals as possible.