"I have always played sport, but never really focussed on a single sport. Rugby, cricket, tennis, hockey and swimming have all featured strongly at different times. When not playing, I was always involved in a refereeing or coaching capacity; this started when teaching at the beginning of my working career and continued when I moved into IT. I started playing social hockey after a long gap and through that I met Lucie. Secondly as a natural progression from coaching other sports to U18s, mainly rugby but also some tennis and cricket. I have always believed that coaching skills are inherently transferable. "

 

 Neil has a wonderful approach to coaching and his natural curiosity makes him a progressive coach. Often described as a bit of a hero, nothing is too much trouble for him. Clearly a key member of HF.

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"My Coaching Philosophy is threefold; Firstly, Sport is basically a healthy option, physically and mentally; it doesn’t matter what sport you are doing as long as you are taking part. That can be within a team or as an individual. I am very happy to coach anyone who wants to take part.

Secondly, sport should be enjoyable; what that means will vary from person to person. For some it means high level competition, for others it is a chance to play a game with other like minded people and it might be that the social is as important as the standard.

Thirdly, coaching needs to recognise different levels of ability and fitness; it then needs to differentiate so that all enjoy the session and feel they have achieved. Everyone is coachable as long as they have the right attitude."

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Currently Coaching at Painswick HC & Hockey Fever