As Cranbrook School's new Head of Sport I have had the privilege to work with Old Cranbrookian and current Cranbrook hockey coach, Tim Barlow (pictured in evening dress).

Tim has a huge reputation nationally within the hockey world after coaching Midlands Region Hockey for many years and has had an influential role developing several international hockey players from a junior level:
GB representatives in Tokyo Olympic Games 2020: Anna Toman, Laura Unsworth, Shona McCallin, Hollie Webb, Leah Wilkinson.
(travelling reserve – Sabbie Heesh)

Tim’s commitment to hockey and dedication to coaching was deservedly recognised in December when he was awarded The Coaching Chain award, for his influence on coaching Great Britain’s most decorated hockey athlete of all time, Laura Unsworth MBE. She cemented her champion-level career when she won gold at the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic Games. Unsworth’s composure and ability to read a game, paired with her unmatched tough-tackling and ironclad determination, has enabled her to win over 300 caps for England and Great Britain. Unsworth ascended through the Midlands Hockey system and was fast-tracked into Tim Barlow’s Development Coaching Centre. Barlow was immediately impressed by her hunger and ability to read a game.

For the last few years, Tim has generously volunteered his services to Cranbrook School and is a huge asset within Cranbrook Hockey. Since I arrived in September, he has continued to impress both parents and students with his caring attention and level of detail; providing written weekly feedback to his players, end of year reports and remaining motivated to develop junior players through the ranks. His teams are always well-organised and Tim continues to get results on the hockey field, evident this season with his U15A Hockey team continuing their fine form winning 7 out of 9 games whilst coaching the U14A hockey team to the Regional Finals.

On behalf of the Cranbrook school and community I would like to thank Tim for his services and dedication to hockey and his school!