James Sordillo will be stepping down as Head Coach of the ladies 1st XI after the England Hockey Tier 1 Championship Final on 6th May.
Sordillo has been head coach for three years, achieving the clubs highest ever Premier Division finish for a ladies side in the first two years along with back to back England Hockey Championship titles.
Having made a third Championship final, Beeston ladies and Sordillo have the opportunity to win it for the third consecutive year, a feat never previously achieved by any club in the history of the ladies competition.
Despite relegation from the Premier Division this season, the team ended the league season with a 5-2 victory over Isca in their final game of the league season.
Upon taking the role, Sordillo has recruited a number of high profile players to the club, including Great Britain international Charlotte Watson, Lucy Millington, Ella Cusack and Irish international Jane Kilpatrick. Names who are well known within Premier Divison circles in England and showcasing that Beeston ladies is a place players can be supported and excel at an elite level.
Sordillo said on stepping down, “I have had a really fun but challenging three years. I took over the program at a key point where we needed to make some big changes and it has been hard work but incredibly rewarding.
I would like to thank the club directors for their continued support, they have been amazing, as well as all the support staff and players I have worked with.
Also, a massive thank you to everyone who comes to support us, home and away, you have been magnificent. A special shout out to Russell Cusack who attends 99% of games and is always there for a good chat after games.
This season did not end how we wanted, and I wanted to go out retaining Prem Status but this group will come back. I firmly believe they will win Division 1 next year because there is really character and talent within the group.
I am absolutely exhausted and looking forward to a good break from hockey, this is the right time for change for everybody but in Beeston I have found a home, and I am sure I will be back”
The club would like to thank James for his commitment and efforts over the past three seasons. We wish him and the team all the best at the Championship Finals on 6th May at Lee Valley. We of course also wish James the verybest for the future and look forward to seeing him on the side of pitch soon!
