Performance Programme appointments
The Performance Strategy sets out the plan for the next 8 years with an aspirational goal of medalling at the World Games and sustaining success. To achieve this goal England Korfball will build an England Performance and Player Development Pathway with inclusive, quality assured player development environments that are built upon a player centred performance and learning culture. International success at senior level will result from a consistent sustainable approach to development of players holistically for the benefit of England and the wider game.
Critical to the plan will be the development of expert performance and talent coaches with a full understanding of holistic player development and who have a philosophy that is aligned to the development of an inclusive player development pathway.
To drive forward the new strategy we are very pleased to announce the appointment of Rob Williams as England Head Coach and Steph Watson as Lead England Academy Coach. Rob and Steph join John Denton as part of the new England Coaching set up. John’s role has been extended with his appointment as England Performance Pathway Coach building on his current role as England U19 coach.
Rob, Steph and John will be appointed for 4 years and lead the development of the new England Player Development Pathway with the establishment of an England Elite Training Squad and an England Academy. To support Rob, Steph and John a number of England Development Coaches will be recruited to support the coaching across the pathway and implementation of the strategy next season.
‘I am delighted and excited to be taking on this new role within the England Korfball Performance Programme. I believe in an approach which puts our athletes as central to the development process, especially so at the younger age groups, who will become the foundation of our success. I am really looking forward to working with Rob and John and the pathway coaches in the academy groups to help drive a sustainable model of athlete development and I look forward to getting stuck in and started!’
Steph Watson
‘It is a real honour to be involved with England Korfball during a really exciting time for the sport, as we look to implement an ambitious program that aims for England to challenge at the highest levels in the future. I’m looking forward to working with Rob Williams again on the success of the European Championships and equally excited to link up with Steph Watson at the Academy level. We can’t wait to get started with the talented players that we have across the country.’
John Denton
‘Thank you, England Korfball, for your faith and belief, appointing me Head Coach for another 4 years. It remains an incredible privilege Over the last four years, my team and I have strived to develop a player centric environment, and deliver an exceptional, inclusive, and collaborative coaching environment; with the aim of putting players in the best position to collectively perform as a team on the international stage.
I am looking forward to continuing to strive towards our lofty goals, working with, and learning from, new Lead England Academy Coach, Steph Watson, and new Performance Pathway Coach, John Denton – but most importantly England Korfball’s most talented and dedicated players. We have a great opportunity in front of us.’
Rob Williams
U17 World Championships
One immediate task will be the U17 World Championships where England will be sending a representative team. John Denton will be leading the coaching team supported by Tom Woolmer. Steve Kirby will be supporting Clive Dobbin as Team Manager. A Safeguarding and Player Welfare lead will be announced. Thanks go out to all the staff for volunteering .
Over the coming years, the aim is to build a coherent England coaching team under the guidance of John, Rob,and Steph at senior and England Academy levels. Any coaches wishing to get involved and who are aligned to the holistic development and retention of players in the England programme should please get in touch with Jon Roberts.