As plans continue at pace in preparation for the start of the new season, we're really pleased to be able to confirm that all 3 of our coaching leadership team, Chris Simcock, Ali Ghazanfar, and Phil Hope, are back for the 21/22 season. A season that we are hoping will be a full training and playing season and remind us all why we love this wonderful sport and the community we're proud to be a part of.
I spoke to each of them earlier this week to get their thoughts on the season ahead;
Chris Simcock - Head of Coaching & Performance, Mens 1X1 coach
"I’m really looking forward to the coming season particularly after the disruptions and challenges of COVID over recent months. I can’t wait for the league season to start in September!
It’s been great to see so many junior and senior players back playing during the summer and into pre- season.
I’m particularly excited to be working with coaches and team captains to embed and develop the ‘Fylde Way’ - a common set of playing principles and values, running through all our teams from U8’s right the way through to our senior sides. The ‘Fylde Way’ will also support our senior teams to identify their team goals ahead of the new season."
Ali Ghazanfar - Ladies 1XI coach
"I am delighted to have signed a new contract with Fylde for the upcoming 2021/2022 season. This will be my third year with Fylde, and I'm looking forward to getting back on the pitch regularly after such a disrupted season last season. The ladies 1st team squad worked really hard during the lockdown periods on individual fitness programmes, so I'm excited to see what progress we can make this season!"
Phil Hope - Lead Junior Coach, Junior Club Captain
"This is the third season I’ve headed up the junior section at Fylde HC and can’t wait to get back on the pitch to further develop the skill set, technique and game understanding of our junior members.
There’s a lot to look forward to this season;
• the Lancashire junior hockey league, giving games to the under 8’s to 16’s
• going into local schools delivering hockey after school sessions
• delivering sessions which are more game based, more touches of the ball and differently weighted hockey balls to suit age ranges and abilities.
We're delighted to confirm that Phil will be taking on the role of Junior Club Captain from this season and is already working hard to ensure a fantastic start to the junior season."
Our wholehearted thanks go to Katherine Wholey, the outgoing Junior Club Captain, for all her hard work, energy and time and we wish her well in her new role as Operations Director within the newly formed North West Hockey Area.