National Coaching Director to Depart

National Coaching Director Dave Clarke will leave his role with Squash New Zealand in the new year.

After many years of service to Squash New Zealand Dave Clarke has announced his resignation from the position of National Director of Coaching. Dave will be undertaking a new role with Sport Bay of Plenty and we would like to take this opportunity to wish him well for the future.

His contribution to coaching has been immense and it is a great loss for squash on a number of levels. His vision and determination led to the development of the national coaching framework which is recognised as leading example amongst New Zealand sporting organisations. His coaching experience is second to none and has been critical to the success of our teams at four Commonwealth Games.

Reflecting on his time in the National Coaching Director role, Dave said "When we embarked on the development of the new coaching framework when I took the role on I did not envisage that we would manage to engage as many coaches as we have done, with over 832 individuals taking part in over 2,120 modules. It has been great most of the time and of course had its moments but probably is best described as being incredibly busy, challenging and rewarding at the same time".

He wishes to thank the many people who have helped him to be successful in the role: "I would like to say thanks and well done to the coaches, teachers and parents who embraced the new structure. I have made many new friends in the community coaching area as well as enhancing existing ones in the performance arena. Please keep up the good work as more and more activity is created nationwide."

"The Coaching Advisory Panel have been great in keeping me grounded and in check and have provided great support on a number of projects well done Paul, Pat, Graeme and Grant.

Lastly I would like to thank the Squash NZ board for its backing of the Coach Development programmes which I believe will be key to stimulating activity and participation in clubs and schools in New Zealand. We now have a good foundation of support for coaching activity I would urge you all to support the next person who steps into the role as you have done me".

Dave's stellar work in the field of training motivated and highly skilled coaches around the country will be missed.  He has successfully created a coaching programme and structure that will meet our needs for generations to come and left our sport in a much stronger position as a result.

Squash New Zealand will advertise for a replacement to fill the position in the next few days so that this good work can continue.

He will, however, remain involved in New Zealand's Commonwealth Games programme as Assistant Coach and Manager of the team to travel to Glasgow in July 2014.