Derbyshire CCC captain Wayne Madsen joins Belper Hockey Club as director of hockey

Derbyshire CCC captain Wayne Madsen has joined Belper Hockey Club as their new director of hockey.
Derbyshire CCC 2015 squad, skipper Wayne MadsenDerbyshire CCC 2015 squad, skipper Wayne Madsen
Derbyshire CCC 2015 squad, skipper Wayne Madsen

Madsen, who is a former international hockey player for South Africa, will support and direct the current club coaches and management to provide a co-ordinated policy and structure for the whole of the club.

Madsen said: “I’m going to be working with the current management team and coaches, to improve how we go about the processes.

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“We also want to expand on the access for kids to Hockey, and to try and get a Junior Hockey Academy properly established.

“This can only help the club and its young players, get properly coached.”

Announcing the move, club chairman Steve Mills said Madsen would provide valuable experience.

“We’re delighted to welcome Wayne to the Belper Hockey Club community,” he said. “Wayne brings a wealth of experience and knowledge, both in his position as captain of Derbyshire County Cricket, but also from his previous time involved in Hockey South Africa. “

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After 14 years in the National Hockey Leagues, Belper Men’s Hockey Club, as Derbyshire’s Senior Hockey side were relegated at the end of last season.

This was countered by the Ladies Section’s fantastic achievement at being promoted back to the National League, after a few years absence.

“It is our intention to regain our status as soon as possible,” said Roger Carter, of the hockey management team.

“We want to ensure that our crop of excellent young players, and a few returning stalwarts, get the best coaching possible, and we attract the new players we need, to get back to National League Hockey.”

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Club captain Steve Batten said the announcement was a great move for the team.

“It is a great opportunity to have access to Wayne’s skill and knowledge,” he said.

“We hope that having someone in place, like Wayne, will ensure that hockey players know what we’re trying to do, and want to be part of the club.

“I’m looking forward to the chance to work with the guys at Belper Hockey Club, and to help them get back to where they obviously belong.”

Madsen aims to use the cricket close season to get properly involved, and will advise on hockey matters when available during the cricket season.