Mike Hayes has been appointed as Wales Women’s 3v3 Head Coach who’ll work alongside Caroline Mathews as the Wales Men’s 3v3 Head Coach. Both Wheelchair Basketball teams will look to compete at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
“I am incredibly proud to be given the opportunity to take on the Wales Women’s 3x3 Head Coach role, it’s a fantastic time to develop the women and girls game within Wales and it is something I am very passionate about”.
Mike a former Paralympian who is also instrumental to the development of Wheelchair Basketball in North Wales said “After a number of years out of the Welsh National teams set up, developing our system in North Wales, I felt the time was right for a new challenge.”
Caroline Mathews will continue leading the Men’s team and Hayes the women’s as the 3v3 teams set their sights on Birmingham in 2022. Birmingham will be the first-time wheelchair basketball has been part of the Games using the 3v3 format.
Mathews said: “I am delighted that Mike has been appointed Head Coach to the Wales Women’s 3x3 Squad. He’s an excellent coach with a proven track record of success and I’m sure the women’s squad will benefit enormously from working with him.”
Hayes who will be working alongside Caroline added “I am very much looking forward to working with Caroline, to develop the best possible system for anyone, male or female to experience positivity and excel within the Welsh system.”
Wheelchair basketball is usually played in team of five in Wales, but the WWBA is keen to develop the 3v3 format and the Head Coaches will be looking to identify and develop the performance pathway in Wales so that the talent can progress to the best of their ability. Chris Wilson, WWBA Chair added “The dynamism and vision of these senior coaches closely matches the ambitions of the WWBA and we look forward to supporting them and the players on a very exciting journey”.
Caroline said: “This is an extremely exciting time for 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball in Wales. The Commonwealth Games are next year and the qualification event will take place towards the end of this year. We have a lot of work to do and we are very lucky to be working with some very talented players. Mike and I will certainly be doing everything we can to make Wales proud!”
Mike said: “After what has been a very challenging time for everyone. I feel It’s a great time to be involved in growing the game in Wales, particularly with the Commonwealth Games offering a massive opportunity for us all.”
The teams will continue training when it is safe to do so. In the meantime if you are interested in finding out more about the 3v3 programme in Wales please contact:
Mike Hayes mikewwba@gmail.com
Caroline Mathews coachcarolinematthews@gmail.com
