OUR COACHES
Head Coach: Benny “Superman” Skurka
Australian Athletics Coaching Accreditation:
- Level 2 Development Coach
- Advanced Recreational Running Coach
Chelsea Little Athletics’ resident superhero and clown brings a unique blend of experience, knowledge, enthusiasm, passion and fun to our coaching panel.
Concentrating on foundational knowledge and movement skills in all events, the 2023 Little Athletics Victoria Bryan Neighbour Centre Coach of the Year covers all athletics disciplines (runs, jumps, and throws) recently adding race walking to the coaching bag. But his true passion is in the throws (Shotput and Discus) and recently Multi-class Athletics. Refusing to admit his rising number of laps around the sun, after a Saturday morning spent at the track for Chelsea Little Athletics, Benny can be found honing his knowledge and skills on a Saturday afternoon through competition in Athletics Victoria.
A few believe he actually lives at the track over the Athletics season. If you dare engage him in conversation around anything regarding Athletics, be prepared for a long, winding and sometimes irrelevant conversation.
On a Saturday morning, you’ll find Benny coordinating the entire day – so try to keep the irrelevant conversation until after the events are complete so he can keep the events moving!
On Track Leader: Hailey Wellington
Australian Athletics Coaching Accreditation:
• Level 1 Youth Coach
Hailey has had a love of Athletics from an early age and has been at Chelsea Little Athletics since she was six years old, so she’s part of the furniture.
Growing up, her favourite events varied from the 100m sprint, long jump and progressed to Javelin in her later years.
She has over 3 years of coaching children between 5 and 12 years old. Having the opportunity to be part of this club for so long (i.e. most of her life!), has enabled Hailey to not only excel in sports but teach her how to be part of such a beautiful community.
On a Saturday during the season, you’ll find her in the middle of the track coaching the On Track children (U6s and U7s). Make sure you come say hi, as her enthusiasm is contagious.
On Track Coach: Jessie Laughlin
Australian Athletics Coaching Accreditation:
- Level 1 Youth Coach
Jessie too has spent her entire childhood as part of Chelsea Little Athletics (from Under 6s to Under 17s) which means she too has been kicking around the club for as long as anyone can remember.
Though she’s not currently competing in any events, she’s quite the all-rounder with a special place in her heart for hurdles. The ‘25/26 season will be her 3rd season coaching and on a Saturday morning you’ll find her in the middle of the track herding the On Track U6s and U7s. Jessie loves a good chat and getting to know the next cohort of children who, with any luck, will be a future leader of the club as she is.
Running Coach: Sabina Harding
Australian Athletics Coaching Accredited (Silver Status):
- Level 1 Youth Coach
- Level 2 Development Coach
- Advanced Recreational Running Coach
Though one of the newer members of Chelsea’s coaching volunteers, Sabina brings a range of sporting experiences from the worlds of dance, boxing and triathlon. Since having a family she’s concentrated on her running and competed in masters middle distance events on the track. She was also lucky enough to be a finalist in the Little Athletics Victoria Bryan Neighbour Coach of the Year award for the ‘24/25 season.
Sabina’s philosophy in coaching both sprints and middle distance is run better before running more. She’s currently a provisional psychologist and heavily invested in fostering a competitive mindset and well as self-compassion and the love for sport. On a Saturday morning, you’ll find Sabina coordinating warm-ups, conducting mini-skills sessions while children are waiting for their events, or jibber-jabbering with children and parents – as she’s pretty good at that too! You’ll also find her coordinating Wednesday night coaching and school holiday programs, so come and say hi.
Guest Coach: Jasper Louey
Australian Athletics Coaching Accreditation:
- Level 1 Youth Coach
Jasper – known at the club as “National Champion Jasper Louey” – is a long jump and triple jump coach and three-time Junior National Triple Jump Champion. We’re so lucky to have him in our midst at the club, as he has graciously supported the On Track children for the past couple of seasons. He was also a finalist in the Little Athletics Victoria Emerging Coach of the Year Awards for the ‘24/25 season.
Drawing on his own experience at the national level, Jasper focuses on developing his athletes’ technique, speed and strength while fostering confidence and resilience. Known for a supportive yet driven approach, he is dedicated to helping athletes achieve their personal best above all else.