OUR TEAM
THE INFINITY BOAT CLUB TEAM
CATHY ROONEY
CEO
Cathy has been coaching rowing for 35 years. She began coaching at Notts County Rowing Association in the early 90s and then went on to become Director of Rowing at Headington School and Performance Development Coach at British Rowing. She took a step back from coaching to raise her daughter and subsequently worked as a Sport Development Manager at Sport England, Talent Manager at Loughborough University, and Performance Sport Manager at Northumbria University.
Cathy has always volunteered, as a rowing coach (most recently at Durham Amateur Rowing Association), football coach, walk and running leader and Breeze Bike Champion. She has supported many athletes to Coupe de la Jeunesse and Junior Worlds but she is most proud of establishing a running club in Nottingham called the Woodthorpe Huffers and Puffers.
Of her new role she says ‘Infinity Boat Club will be a place where every child feels valued, whether coming every now and then to enjoy a paddle and get fitter, or training to compete at National and International Level. Infinity will be a safe, fun, and inclusive club where young rowers are nurtured, challenged, and supported to be the best they can be.’
MIGUEL ALVAREZ VILLAR
SENIOR ROWING COACH
Miguel is a former elite rower with the Spanish Rowing Team (1988-1994). He competed at the highest levels in international regattas, including the Junior World Championship, Senior World Championship, and was a finalist in the double scull at the 1992 Olympic Games held in Barcelona.
Miguel is an experienced Level 2 coach, coaching juniors aged 11 to 18, guiding many of them from novice level to GB team athletes.
Miguel enjoys working at Infinity, where young people are welcomed and challenged in an inclusive, safe, friendly and nurturing environment, allowing them to grow as individuals, and reach their full potential.
Some of the international regattas Miguel has competed in:
1994 World Rowing Championships – Eagle Creek/Indianapolis, United States, 4x.
1992 Olympic Games – Estany Banyoles/Barcelona, Spain, 2x, 6th.
1992 Nations Cup – Strathclyde/Glasgow, Great Britain, 2x, 1st.
1991 Match des Seniors – Lago San Giovanni/Naro, Italy, 1x, 3rd.
1990 World Rowing Championships – Lake Barrington/Tasmania, Australia, 1x.
1989 World Rowing Junior Championships – Reservoir/Szeged, Hungary, 1x, 4th.
KELLY KAY
ROWING COACH
Kelly joins us as a coach having been involved in rowing for 35 years, competing at regional, national and international level. As a volunteer coach and club captain, Kelly has helped organise and run British Rowing learn to row courses, for both Juniors and Seniors .
Kelly is experienced in coaching juniors age 11 and above at Cambois Rowing Club, taking them to regional and national regattas, where they enjoyed considerable success.
Kelly is thrilled to join Infinity Boat Club, where she can turn her passion for the sport into a fulfilling coaching career. “This is such an amazing opportunity, to bring rowing to children of all backgrounds, this aligns with everything I strive for, I am really looking forward to seeing what the future holds for the club”.
OLIVIA DOUGLAS-REEVES
ROWING COACH APPRENTICE
Olivia began rowing at the age of 13 on the River Tees and spent her entire junior rowing career training at Tees Rowing Club. Her passion for the sport grew quickly, and by the time she was a J16, she had embraced the role of Junior Captain. In this position, she excelled at guiding and supporting newer rowers as they found their footing in the sport. As a junior, Olivia competed in a range of events, from small local regattas to championship competitions, always striving to refine her skills in the boat. Having learned to row on the River Tees, she brings a deep understanding of the sport to our juniors, offering valuable insights into local events and emphasizing the importance of thorough preparation.
Olivia became the first Rowing Management Apprentice at Infinity in partnership with British Rowing in September. She is driven by a mission to serve as a strong female role model, firmly believing that everyone, regardless of age, gender, socio-economic background, or disability, should have the opportunity to experience the many benefits of rowing. She strives to create a welcoming environment for all athletes, encouraging open communication and fostering a shared passion and determination to elevate rowing in Teesside to new heights.
RICHARD OLVER
CLUB WELFARE OFFICER (CWO)
Richard’s role in Infinity Boat Club is the alternate Club Welfare Officer, apart from supporting Michele Holdsworth, the club, and everyone affiliated with it, he will be the alternative point of contact for welfare matters, in the absence of Michele. Both are here to create a safe, inclusive environment and respond to concerns and disclosures. Whilst the CWO’s are the safeguarding focal point, it should be remembered that it is the responsibility of the committee, all members and visitors, to uphold our safeguarding policies in order to safeguard children and adults at risk at all times.
Richard was born in Teesside and has been resident ever since, he is extremely proud of the area and the rich history associated with it. Having retired in April 2023, following a highly successful 48-year career in the Road Transport and Logistics industry, he has been actively engaged in voluntary work within the local community.
Richard was first introduced to rowing at Tees Rowing Club in 2004, since then he has been hooked on this great sport, competing for his Club whenever free to do so. In addition to being a competitor, he has been an active member of The Tees Rowing Club Management Team, serving on The Club Committee.
MICHELE HOLDSWORTH
SAFEGUARDING OFFICER
Michele’s role is to support Infinity Boat Club and everyone associated with it to create safe, inclusive environments, respond to and coordinate action within the club upon receipt of any concerns or disclosures. While she is the focal point, it is the responsibility of our trustees, all members and visitors to uphold British Rowing safeguarding policies and procedures in order to safeguard children and adults at risk.
Should your child experience welfare issues around boat selection, training and progress queries, confidence/performance anxiety, relationships with squad or crew mates or injury concerns, your coach is the first port of call; in most cases your coach will work with you and your child to effectively and swiftly resolve the matter.
If you do not feel that the issue has been resolved, it should be referred to Cathy Rooney our Chief Executive, either by email crooney@infinityboatclub.com or in person.