M1s, W1s and Community Coaching all have new head coaches
It’s a big ‘Welcome Back’ to our 1st XI Head Coaches for this season:
Merijn van Willegen returns after several years away to take over the Men’s 1s squad again, while Danny Emery takes over the Women’s 1s squad.
Raj Laly, our Performance Director, says – “it’s fantastic to have Merijn back at the club. With his experience in hockey, working across all aspects of the game, it will be great to see our squad develop into a more established team in EHL Division 1 South and looking beyond.”
Merijn says – “I am incredibly proud to re-join a club with such a rich history in English hockey. Havant Hockey Club is a special place, and I have been inspired already by the energy of the people I have met so far. I cannot wait to starting work with the squad, and look forward to meeting new and old friends at the club.”
Maciej ‘Grizz’ Pacanowski stands down after two years in charge of the women’s 1st XI to focus more on playing.
Grizz says – “I have had the privilege of coaching the Havant Hockey Club Women’s 1st XI team for the past two seasons (2022/23 and 2023/24). Unfortunately, balancing my roles as a player for the Men’s 1st team and coach for the Women’s 1st team meant I couldn’t always be present for both. Nevertheless, I absolutely loved my time with the Women’s 1st team and truly believe that the work we have done will pay off in the coming seasons. Most importantly, I would like to extend a big thank you to the team for their dedication and for believing in our goals. I will certainly be coming to watch their games and support them.”
Danny says – “Taking on the role of W1s coach for the upcoming season is a hugely exciting opportunity. Everyone that I have met so far is so driven and ambitious; always looking for ways to provide the best experience for all involved, and help individuals to be the best they can be.
That is an environment that I am really looking forward to being part of, offering what I can to help the group progress towards their goals.”
Another new addition to lead coaching is Ben Miles, pictured below, who is taking on the role of Head of Community Coaching.
Helen Smith, the Community Programme lead, says – “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Ben Miles as Lead Community Coach for our Community Programme. Exciting times lie ahead for the programme, which with the fantastic support of our sponsors we seek to expand in the forthcoming year.”
Ben – “ I am delighted to be furthering my role within the exciting new community programme working with schools and aiding in the expansion of community projects in the local area. Without the outreach of Havant Hockey Community Programme I would not be where I am today – I am extremely proud to be involved and to begin the next phase of community engagement”
