Oakham’s Director of Hockey, James Bateman, has been selected to take part in the European Hockey Federation’s ‘Top Coaches Programme’. He is one of just 20 coaches from across Europe to have been chosen to attend.
James was nominated as a potential candidate for the programme by the England Hockey Coach Development team following his graduation from the GB Advanced Coaching Programme this summer – showcasing the quality of his present coaching and indicating the high potential for his personal coaching development and future success. All nominees had to already be coaching at a national or international standard. James does both, coaching at Nottingham University in the National League and having supported England Age Group hockey for some years too alongside leading the hockey programme at Oakham. Following his interview with the GB Head of Coach Development, he was invited to take his place on the ‘Top Coaches Programme’.
“It is a great accolade to be nominated by my peers and then selected for the programme,” says James. “I’m looking forward to learning from some of the best coaches in Europe, gaining further International experience to not only share with Oakhamians but also to continue my own aspirations of leading Junior international and Seniors international squads.”
The two-year programme, which starts in/this January, will see James further develop his coaching to the highest level. He and two fellow British coaches will take part in a variety of seminars, workshops and access to High Performance mentors to develop their skills further. They will also now find themselves travelling across Europe (when possible and safe to do so) to be a part of International matches and tournaments that are planned to take place – included the Europeans in the Czech Republic in March.
“I’m really proud of the coaching team we have at Oakham and this opportunity will allow us to develop further as I share my experiences with both pupils and staff. This programme will also enable the School to become even better known in Europe. We already have one of the strongest national reputations for School hockey. I’m now looking forward to developing our international reputation even further over the coming two years and beyond.”
