The Sheffield Hockey Club Executive Committee is delighted to officially announce the appointment of Alex Molyneux as Women’s Performance Coach. Rob Ward will continue to work with the performance squad, focusing on leading the second team. Alex was the standout candidate for the role, as he outlined his plans for the squad during the recent recruitment process.

Alex has developed his coaching skills having worked with a number of the club’s squads over the last 7 season. Alex also coaches his home nation, the Isle of Man, as assistant coach to the island’s Women’s team. Alex is a Level 2 FIH qualified coach and will be working towards his Level 3 while taking change of the Ladies' Performance squad this season. In addition, Alex will continue in his role as the Head Coach of the University of Sheffield Ladies’ teams after a positive first season in change of their BUCS Campaign, finishing third behind Durham and Newcastle Universities. Alex’s coaching portfolio also includes being in charge of the South Yorkshire Boys AC programme for the past two seasons, preparing the next generation of player towards PC and beyond.

Alex is returning to Sheffield Hallam University this season to study for a BSc in Physiotherapy, and will play as the men’s side push for a return to the BUCs Premier League.

The SHC Ladies’ performance squad has lost a number of players who are preparing to move away to university but Kath Hughes (pictured), who was part of the panel who selected Alex commented, “The Ladies 1s are looking forward to the new season and welcoming some new faces to the team, including Alex, as the new coach, who we are looking forward to bringing new ideas, lots of energy and building on the great foundations we have.”

“We hope to create a strong competitive squad that will be pushing to bring back women’s national league hockey back to Abbeydale,” added Kath.

The Ladies’ first team squad play in the Yorkshire and North East Premier league, just one step from playing in the National League. Kath, who along with Beth Sanderson carry out the captaincy duties as part of the squad’s leadership team noted, “We are eager to be getting back on the pitch soon and prepare for the season, hoping to finish higher than our 4th place finish last season.”