Following the recent consultation and revised Colts Offering for 2019/20, I am pleased to announce three key appointments in the Colts Coaching management team.

Head of Colts Coaching and Senior Colts (U16/18) – Chris Gittens.
Head of Junior Colts (U12/14) – Jarrod Casey
Head of Mini Colts (U6/U8/U10) – Josh Bretherton

We have already announced our new Head of Coach Development – Danny Newcombe. Danny coaches for Wales and our Mens 1s.

Chris Gittens joins us from his previous role as Surbiton Ladies 1s Assistant Coach.
In his role at Reading Hockey Chris will also be working with our Ladies Performance Group.
Jarrod and Josh will also be working within the Men’s coaching team.
By way of introduction, Chris has provided a short note at the end of this announcement about his background.

This is an exciting time for Reading Hockey and please join me in making these key coaching appointments welcome. More information about our forthcoming season will be posted on our website shortly.
Regards
Judith Barton - Director of Colts

An introduction from Chris Gittens:

I started coaching in 2009 at Trojans, whilst at University studying a BSc Sports Coaching Science degree. When I finished university in 2011, I returned to Trojans as Director of Coaching and Mens 1st XI player-coach. Two years later I took over the Ladies 1st XI Head Coach role, working with the 1st XI squad for three years in the Investec National League West Conference. I was also responsible for the colts section as a whole and worked with everyone from the U8s through to the U18s. In the summer of 2016, I moved from Trojans to join Surbiton HC as Head of the U16/U18 girls and Ladies 2nd XI Head Coach. Over the past two years I have taken on an expanded role working with all the colts age groups as well as in local schools and universities. I also took on becoming the Ladies 1st XI Assistant Coach and 1st XI Indoor Head Coach, and have been extremely fortunate to be able to work with some very talented top players in some top competitions. The highlight so far has to be the European Club Cup of 2018 and 2019!

I am very excited to be taking on a fresh challenge at a club which without doubt has the potential to develop and grow beyond where it is now. I am looking forward to getting started and meeting all the talented and enthusiastic players that Reading Hockey has to offer. I’m sure the next few seasons will hold some exciting times and experiences for everyone involved with the club!

Chris