Meet Our Sports Coaches

Malcolm Christie, Head of Sporting Academies, Head Coach, Football

Malcolm is a UEFA 'A' License qualified coach and former professional footballer with a career that spanned the Premier League and Football League, most notably with Derby County and Middlesbrough FC. his rise from non-league football to the top-flight remains a remarkable journey, with a career highlight coming in 2001 when he scored the decisive goal that secured Derby County's Premier League status against Manchester United.

On the international stage, Malcolm represented England at U21 level and made over 200 professional appearances during playing career. 

Since retiring, Malcolm has built an impressive coaching career and now leads the football programme at East Durham College, where he is also Head of Sporting Academies. In these roles, he is committed to developing young talent, combining his elite-level playing experience with his coaching expertise to inspire the next generation of athletes.

Ian Raine, Coach, Football

UEFA ‘A’ Licence Qualified Coach, Ian has over 35 years of coaching experience and is enjoying his second spell of coaching here at EDC. Ian was previously a coach at Hartlepool United FC Academy, whilst also working for the FA and coaching the successful Durham County FA under 18 representative team for 20 years. Currently, Ian is a coach on the Elite Female pathway at Teesside University.

Amar Purewal, Coach, Football

Amar is a UEFA 'C' Licence coach with a strong background in both playing and coaching football. He has coached at East Durham College and Access Sport College in Newcastle, where he also previously studied as a student. Amar brings firsthand high-level experience of the game, having played at Wembley Stadium in the 2021 FA Vase final with Hebburn Town. His journey from student to semi-professional player and now coach, reflects his deep commitment to developing talent and giving back to the next generation of players.

David Binns, Head Coach, Boxing

East Durham College is proud to have some of the every best coaching staff in the country, and in boxing that standard is set by David Binns. Born and raised in Keighley, West Yorkshire, David joined East Durham College in 2002 to lead the Boxing Academy. Through his dedication and tireless work, boxing has become a cornerstone of both college and community life across Peterlee and Easington, engaging all ages and abilities.

David remains deeply involved in coaching across the full spectrum of the sport, from complete beginners through to open class amateurs and professional boxers. In addition to his role at the college, he continues to work under the England Boxing banner, occasionally supporting national squad sessions when boxers he coaches are invited to spar in preparation for international matches.

Highly respected within the sport, David is also involved in mentoring and assessing coaches nationwide, playing a key role in the Tyne, Tees & Wear ABA set-up. Thanks to his expertise, passion, and commitment, East Durham College and the District of Easington have developed into a recognised hotbed for boxing, backed by a thriving grassroots infrastructure and first class facilities at our on-site Boxing gym.

David Wylie, Head Coach, Basketball

With over 30 years of basketball knowledge and experience, David Wylie is the driving force behind the East Durham Basketball Academy. A lifelong student and servant of the game, David’s journey began in 1994 playing for his local club and he hasn’t missed a season of basketball since.

David has played Senior Men’s National League and is one of the few people in England to hold a unique collection of qualifications: Level 3 Coach, Level 3 Referee, Level 3 Table Official, and Wheelchair Basketball Referee. His career has taken him from coaching under-6s all the way through the England Youth Aspire Performance Pathway, Men’s National League coaching, table officiating at the professional level, and refereeing on the international stage.

Although he has worn many hats in basketball, David’s greatest passion is coaching. Having first qualified as a coach 28 years ago, he has never stopped running teams or community sessions. Today, his focus lies in growing the game he loves through his work at East Durham College, where he enriches the student-athlete experience and helps young players unlock their potential.

David’s coaching career has spanned schools, colleges, local authorities, county partnerships, local and national leagues, and the Aspire pathway programme. Whether teaching young children their very first basketball skills or refining elite players on their journey to national honours, David thrives on helping athletes progress, gain confidence, and reach their goals. Beyond East Durham College, David continues to pour energy into grassroots basketball. He is the Head Coach of East Durham Lions Basketball Club, Junior Development Officer for Durham County Basketball Association, he is a key figure in running both his local league and community club. Weather its leading college teams in AoC, Men’s National League or a drop-in community session for 4–6 year-olds, David is committed to giving back to the sport and inspiring the next generation. For him nothing beats the joy of coaching basketball, teaching fundamental skills that not only shape playing the game but also carry over into everyday life. His philosophy is simple yet powerful: “A good coach can change a game. A great coach can change a life.”