In this episode British Gymnastics National Head Coach and sports parent Barry Collie joins Gordon MacLelland to discuss ‘Developing confidence, self-esteem and self-worth in young athletes’ along with how we can create the best environments possible for young people to thrive both in and out of their sport.
During the conversation they discuss amongst other things:
- Applying lessons from his own sporting journey to his own parenting
- Encouraging young people to find joy and bring energy to their passions and pursuits
- Nurturing passion, purpose and persistence
- Encouraging children to laugh, learn, and try again after mistakes
- Parents adapting their approach to suit each child’s personality
- The importance of positive reinforcement particularly in sports with high demands and a focus on mistakes
- Why optimism and hope is so important for all of us
- Encouraging conversations about life beyond sport for both coaches and parents
- Expressing love and pride in our children as people, not just when they achieve success
Barry Collie is a visionary leader and passionate advocate for British gymnastics, currently serving as the Head National Coach for Men’s Artistic Gymnastics. With over 20 years of elite coaching experience, Barry has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to athlete development, team success, and the long-term growth of the sport.
Known for his optimistic and driven approach, Barry brings an innate ability to inspire those around him. His leadership style is collaborative and empowering—he listens, learns, and leads with purpose, fostering environments where gymnasts and coaches alike can thrive. Barry’s coaching philosophy centres on co-production, ensuring that individual Gymnast Performance Plans are developed in partnership with athletes and clubs to create a unified and high-performance culture.
Barry’s track record includes leading the British junior men’s team to historic success at the European Championships, where his strategic planning and emotional resilience helped secure multiple medals and build future Olympians. His coaching is grounded in strong values, meticulous preparation, and a belief in the power of confidence, routine, and reflection.
A devoted family man, Barry balances his professional intensity with personal warmth, bringing humanity and heart to every aspect of his role. His vision for British gymnastics is bold and inclusive—one that celebrates excellence, nurtures talent, and builds a legacy of pride and performance.
Additional Reading
Sport is a mental game
Helping to foster resilience in our children
