Watsonians appoint Head of Youth Development
Watsonians Hockey Club has strengthened its youth structure by appointing Keith Smith as their new Head of Youth Development.
Smith will take on this new role in addition to his current position as Head Coach for Watsonians Ladies 1s, as they look forward to another season in National Division 1.
This new role will involve working with the Head Coaches to set the coaching programme for the club’s 500 youth players and oversee their development across all age groups. Keith will also support the Club’s youth coaches and volunteers, providing advice and guidance and helping them to attain their coaching badges.
Keith has extensive coaching experience, having previously been part of the coaching teams for Scotland U18 Girls and U21 Women, and East and North District U18 Boys.
He is currently Scottish Hockey Performance Coach for East Boys & Girls U16/U18 and Scotland U18 Boys Assistant Coach, and has a UKCC Level 2 award.
He has also been responsible for devising and delivering the hockey curriculum at George Heriot’s School over the last 3 years.
Richard Gray, Club President commented, “Keith has been a valuable member of the club for some time and I’m delighted that he has agreed to add this role to his already impressive resume. WHC have always had a strong commitment to youth development and we recently added a Colts XI to our Men’s line up. With this appointment, funded by the Club, I know I can look forward to seeing our hugely talented youth players lining up as part of all nine of the club’s senior teams!”
George Thornton, Youth Convenor added, “This exciting new role will further strengthen our youth coaching programme and will benefit all our youth players and coaches. Keith will help our young players develop at a pace that suits them, achieve their ambitions and most importantly enjoy their hockey.”
For more information please visit the Watsonians website.
Recent posts:
- Scottish Hockey Appoints Vikki Strachan (formerly Bunce) as New Lead Manager - Performance
- Member update from CEO
- Scotland women defeat France to finish sixth at EuroHockey Championship
- Martin Shepherdson completes tenure as Scottish Hockey chair
- Scotland women defeat Ireland at EuroHockey Championship
- Scotland battled all the way but it's a win for Belgium in Women's EuroHockey Championship
- Scotland women draw with Spain at Euros in Monchengladbach
- BRAVE Cup Finals 2025 delivers drama, action, and goals!
- Scotland women defeated by England at EuroHockey Championship in Monchengladbach
- BRAVE Cup day 3 sees Lightning and Devils go head-to-head