LITTLE RIDER CO – ‘Industry Inspiration’ Interview Series - Smiley’s Flight Club
How did you get your ‘job’?
I have always rode bikes from a young age. I started racing BMX at 18 years old but I never had any coaching and found straight away that this is going to be hard work!
After many successful years racing and even attended a few European and world Championships I wanted to be able to help the next generation of racers.
I now coach all riders from complete beginners up to world supercross racers all over the UK but specialize in learning to fly!
What does a typical day in the life look like at?
During the week is when the planning happens. As well as this I coach on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Weekends are the busy time for Smileys Flight Club.
Sessions are run most weekends all over the UK from beginners sessions of simply learning to ride to jumping dirt jumps and pro sections. When we are not training though we are racing! The SFC team take part in BMX regional, national and this year has a few riders heading out to the World Championship in France.
What are your goals and future-plans for your brand?
The goal is to provide quality coaching for all beginners to advanced, kids to adults, rollers to jumpers based on real racing experience. The plan is to continue traveling up and down the country providing coaching but also to help create a champion!
How do you currently see the kids cycling scene?
Since starting racing in 2007 BMX is getting stronger and stronger in the UK. We now have Olympic gold and silver medalists and since lockdown everyone is out riding, learning, progressing and having fun! The kids cycling scene is massive. Joining forces with the biggest and best selling brand Little Rider is like a dream team. LR provide the kit. SFC provide the coaching.
What impact would you like to make on kids cycling, and how do you see the future?
With the knowledge I’ve gained over the years riding multiple disciplines, back flips to world championships, I want to keep helping riders have fun learning to ride to the highest level with the biggest smile on their face!
Smiley’s Flight Club has become a strong coaching business in the UK selling out week in week out. Riders know they will have a great time getting big air and learning all the correct techniques safely.
Where do you take your inspiration from?
I feel with SFC is one of a kind. Constantly seeing poor technique and dangerous riding is what drives me more to want to help others.
How can people find out more about your work and your club?
Smiley’s Flight Club is on Facebook and Instagram where there is often pictures and videos from training sessions as well as my website and the Wix app I use for bookings www.smileysflightclub.com
Any other comments / content you would like to include?
I’d Like to massively thank LR for the support behind the scenes over the last few years. 2022 will be massive running a team together. Looking forward to getting more little riders out on a track!
Want to connect with other Little Rider families?
The Little Rider Co Army will be more than happy to help – Jump into the Facebook group today and ask for recommendations, the community is here to help.
Let’s Ride!
