Mark Wadsley is stepping down as Men’s Head Coach at the end of the current cup campaign to pursue coaching opportunities in the United States.
After a 15-year association with Beeston HC, Mark Wadsley steps down as Men’s 1st XI Head coach. Originally Mark joined as a player and went on to help the club win the England Hockey Premier Division three times, as well as the England Hockey Cup on five occasions. During this highly successful time for the club, Beeston HC represented England as one of its EHL teams for five seasons. A highlight included the 5-4 win vs Amsterdam in Barcelona, in which Mark scored the winning goal. Mark made 244 playing appearances for Beeston.
As a coach, Mark firstly worked as assistant coach with the women’s squad helping them to gain promotion to the Premier league and then consolidate their position in the top league, though more recently, he has been Men’s Head Coach, developing many U21 and senior internationals as well as winning the Tier 1 Championship in 2020 and reaching the league play-offs on two occasions.
Mark Wadsley commented, “It’s been an amazing journey with Beeston HC with so many highlights. I was fortunate to play alongside some top players and be part of a very successful squad for a number of years. As a coach, it has been a privilege to develop many current senior international players including being fortunate to have worked with both current Great Britain captains. I would like to thank Stephen Wood and James McBlane for all their support over the years and of course Graham and David Griffiths for all they have done for the team and in developing the world class facility. I look forward to watching the Bees having continued successes from afar!”
Adam Dixon, Great Britain captain commented, “Mark is a Beeston legend carrying on his successful playing career into coaching. He has developed successful teams and produced many international players showing he is an exceptional coach. I am thankful for all his support over the years. We wish him and his family all the best in their new adventure.”
The club have appointed Mark Bateman as Men’s Head Coach.
Mark Bateman joins the club with extensive coaching experience at Brooklands MU Hockey Club men’s 1st XI and more recently as the head coach of the England Under 18  boys programme. He will continue to coach internationally with England alongside taking the reigns of Beeston.
Mark has acquired significant experience over the year’s having coached at most levels of the international pathway from under 16 boys to the Elite Development Programme where he performs an assistant coach role. During his time at Brooklands (and Olton and WW Ladies prior) he was known for developing robust and tactically astute teams.
He will bring a fresh outlook to Beeston with a strong focus on professionalism, detail and hard work. Â This coupled with the club’s forward-thinking approach off the pitch, will hopefully bring a refreshed look to the already talented squad. He will continue to work alongside the clubs current and experienced backroom team as they look to build a strong platform for year’s to come.
Mark Bateman commented, “I’m looking forward to the fresh challenge and developing an incredibly talented squad over the coming seasons. The chance to lead the most forward-thinking club in England was too good to turn down.”
Beeston Chairman, Graham Griffiths, said, “We wish Mark all the best in his new ventures across the pond and we remind him of the old saying, ‘once a Bee, always a Bee’. The club are delighted to welcome Mark Bateman as the new head coach of the men’s first team. He is the perfect fit for the squad that we are developing.”
The club are due to announce the new women’s head coach shortly.
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