We are delighted to announce that Chris Simcock will fulfil the role of Head Coach this season. Chris has already taken the lead role in implementing a framework which supports the player development journey. He believes the framework will empower coaches to design environments using coaching themes and develop areas which aim to meet the needs of the players whilst providing appropriate levels of challenge and support in the Fylde Player Pathway.
Chris is a renowned coach in the North West, not only has he a great reputation at club level Chris has significant experience of coaching across a number of age ranges in the England Hockey Player Pathway at Development, Academy and Performance Centre levels. He has also successfully coached the Pennine Pumas at England Hockey Futures Cup.
Chris is a familiar face at Mill farm and has previously coached the Men's and Ladies at Fylde as well as the junior section. He spent 3 seasons at Lancaster Hockey club coaching the Ladies 1st XI in the Northern Premier League and also heads up the Men's and Ladies Lancaster University sides. Chris describes himself as someone who's beliefs sit at the heart of the clubs values, to encourage teamwork, respect and inspire.
His qualifications include England Hockey Level 2 and Great Britain Hockey's new Advanced Coach Programme.
We are also excited to announce that Ali Ghazanfar will once again be heading up the Ladies 1st XI who play in the National League Conference North. He made his debut at the club last season and installed an excellent structure and training programme for the squad. Ali's aim is to build a working collaboration between both Ladies and Men's teams and the junior's development. He is also looking forward to working with the juniors and identifying future talent, not only at training sessions but at his Elite Hockey Camps which will be hosted at Fylde.
Ali is a former Pakistani International player who represented his country in over 200 International matches and is also a former Olympian. He came to live in England 10 years ago and in 2018 was selected for England over 35's team. Ever youthful Ali still plays National League, he's a drag flick specialist and was last seasons top league goal scorer. His coaching career has spanned over 15 years and has coached School, University and National League sides in various countries. Ali describes himself as having a high level of personal integrity, a confident and persuasive team builder who can motivate and communicate in order to help others achieve their optimum performance. His qualifications include Level 4 Federation of International Coaches and England Hockey Level 2.