Reading Hockey Club is thrilled to announce the appointment of Walid Abdo as our new Head of Women's Performance. Walid joins the club ahead of the 2026/27 season with a brief to create the best possible environment for our Women's 1st XI to compete at the top of the domestic game and beyond.

A Coach Forged at the Highest Level

Walid arrives with one of the most impressive CVs in British club coaching. After spending 18 years as Head Coach of Cardiff & Met Men's 1st XI, he guided them to a piece of Welsh hockey history in 2023, leading the club to promotion to the Men's Premier Division - the first Welsh club side ever to reach English hockey's top flight. Along the way, Cardiff & Met won the Division One North title and built one of the most consistent programmes outside the Premier Division.

During his time as a coach, Walid has accumulated extraordinary European experience: more than 48 tournaments including three Euro Hockey League campaigns, two A Division competitions and two Junior World Cups. It is a breadth of high-pressure, international-standard coaching that few club coaches in England or Wales can match.

International Pedigree

Walid's impact has not been confined to club hockey. He currently serves as Head Coach of the Wales U21 Women's national team and as Assistant Coach to the Senior Welsh Women's squad - roles that have taken him to major tournaments and embedded him in the Welsh international pathway for years.

As a player, Walid was capped 87 times by the Wales Senior Men's side outdoors and earned a further 48 Indoor caps, spending 12 years competing in the Premier Division with Hounslow. That playing experience, combined with decades of elite coaching, gives him a rounded understanding of what it takes to perform at the top level week in, week out.

The Right Philosophy for Reading

When asked about his coaching philosophy, Walid's answer was immediate: the players have to enjoy it. Behind that, he sets high standards and builds teams that play with speed, intensity and competitiveness - qualities that will resonate with our Women's 1st XI and the expectations we have for the season ahead.

Away from hockey, Walid is a former police officer who now works in education, specialising in child protection and behaviour, clearly demonstrating a background that speaks to his commitment to people and to environments where individuals can thrive.

On his appointment, Walid said: "I am genuinely excited and honoured to be joining Reading Hockey Club. The ambition here is clear, and I can't wait to get to work with the squad."
Please join us in welcoming Walid to the club. We cannot wait to see what the new season brings.