Last month Auckland hosted a highly anticipated FIH Level 3 Coaching course, a 34-hour practical course that allows participants to improve their coaching with access to advanced knowledge and skills, administered by an FIH Hockey Academy Coach Educator. The FIH Level 3 Coaching Course not only equips our coaches with technical knowledge but also encourages an environment that nurtures collaboration and continuous learning within the hockey community. Last week’s course was attended by 13 aspiring Hockey New Zealand and Future Black Sticks program coaches.

Making the course even more notable was its facilitator Darren Cheeseman, an ex-England and Great Britain hockey team member, who now in addition to his role with FIH as an accredited Coach Educator actively coaches in Europe. Currently, he acts as Head Coach of Berliner HC in the German Bundesliga and as Assistant Coach to the German U21 Men’s programme.

Congratulations to the following people who completed the course and received their FIH Level 3 Coaching accreditation:

Elliot Bartholomew - North Harbour

Ben Owers - Canterbury & Hockey New Zealand

Hymie Gill - Otago

Will Lacey - North Harbour

James Birkefeld - Wellington

Jamie Carroll - Bay of Plenty

Christine Arthur - Auckland

Danielle Cranston - Auckland & Hockey New Zealand

Joe Piggott - Canterbury

Jolene Casey - Otago

Sunjay Ganda - Canterbury

Sam Bartholomew - Tauranga 

Tinesha Carey - Queensland (previously Hawkes Bay)

We took the opportunity to catch up with three of the coaches before the course commenced to find out about their hockey coaching journeys to this point.

Elliot Bartholomew

Home town:

North Shore, Auckland
First memories of hockey: 

Both of my parents worked at North Harbour Hockey in the late 90's early 2000's so it was always my 2nd home as well as watching both of my older brothers play. I first got involved with organised hockey as a 4/5 year old in the midgets program and have played or coached ever since.
Why you are passionate about coaching:

First and foremost I have always found coaching great for my personal mental health, despite it being awfully stressful at times it keeps my mind active outside of work, especially the problem solving element. I also had some fantastic experiences of coaches as a player where I was able to grow as an individual with their help and so I hope to recreate some of those experiences for the players I coach. 

Aspirations/what you hope to gain from the course:

I really want to gain new information and fresh perspectives on coaching in general and hockey specifically. By doing so I hope to have more of a positive impact on the players I coach. So far the discussions between coaches on this course have been highly beneficial for my coaching practice as I have reflected and altered a number of my coaching characteristics.

Fun fact about yourself: 

I play in a social sports team (cricket/indoor cricket, football) called the Barry Battlers. 

I'd also like to thank my wife and daughters especially for supporting my coaching journey and allowing me to dedicate countless hours to this craft. I'd also like to thank Westlake Boys for allowing me to pursue this course. 

Danielle Cranston

Home town:

Auckland 

First memories of hockey:

My earliest memory was being dragged to my older sister's hockey game to watch, I was adamant I wasn't going to play hockey but had to come along for the ride or else I'd be left at home alone. My sister's team was short so mum asked me if i'd fill in 'just this week' (reflecting on it, maybe it was her plan all along..), I was still trying to get out of playing but on I went and of cause loved it and I guess it leads me to where I am today. 

Why you are passionate about coaching:

I have had so many amazing people over my life span of playing and coaching within the game who have added so much value to my life on and off the field. I am passionate about coaching because of that and I want to give back to the sport that has given me so many opportunities. I love seeing people getting to achieve whatever it is they want to achieve, it fills my cup. 

Aspirations/what you hope to gain from the FIH coaching course:

I think most people understand self-doubt/imposter syndrome, so getting accreditation will help me identify where I am at as a coach and help me continue to progress with my coaching. I love the opportunity to sit in a room with other coaches and get perspective from different lenses, the opportunity to take a step back and look at everything from a wider lense helps my development, as coaches we don't always get the chance to do this so I am looking forward to the learning opportunity in this. 

Fun fact about yourself: 

I am a pretty lame person, is that a fun fact? 

Chris Arthur

Home town: 

Stratford, Taranaki born and bred, now living in Auckland.

First memories of hockey: 

Mum was a PE teacher and hockey coach,  so I attended practices and games from the age of 2. I remember racing from my primary school to the high school to join in with her team trainings.

Why you are passionate about coaching: 

I love supporting individuals and teams to achieve their goals. Coaching allows me to share my passion for hockey, challenges me to find an individual`s superpowers and think creatively to build a game plan that allows everyone to contribute. I thrive on competition and being in a performance environment.

Aspirations/what you hope to gain from the FIH coaching course:

I want to be the best coach I can, and I hope we have developed a community of coaches to share ideas and learn together. Gaining accreditation is validation so I can offer my services at a higher level.

Fun fact about yourself: 

I chose to go to Dunedin for University to play with my idol, Jenny McDonald.