Tom Saunders has been appointed Beeston 2nd team coach for the 2020/21 season. Tom’s appointment completes the men’s performance management group alongside Mark Wadsley (head coach), Stephen Wood (first team coach), James McBlane (assistant coach) and Gareth Ikin (goalkeeper coach). The men’s first team will be managed by Graham Griffiths whilst Kay Bond will continue in her role as the men’s second team manager.
Tom, a father of two, works for the RAF as an Aircraft Engineer where he is based at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire. Tom joins Beeston from Lindum Hockey Club where he was the men’s 1st team coach. Tom’s playing career included stints at Cannock, Havant and Oxford Hawks.
Tom is currently taking part in the England Hockey Advanced Coaching Programme. He is also the UK Armed Forces ladies team coach and has experience coaching juniors at his previous club.
David Griffiths, Deputy Chairman, commented, “We’re delighted to welcome Tom to the club. The 2nd team will be looking to improve on their 2nd place finish in the Midlands Premier Division last season and the target is to gain promotion into the national league. Both the men’s and ladies’ performance teams have strong management groups for the coming season and I’m confident all the appointments we have made over the summer will help to deliver results on the pitch.”