Poppy Martin appointed CCHC Women's 1st XI Coach

New Womens 1st XI Head Coach Appointed

Cambridge City Hockey Club is delighted to confirm that Poppy Martin has been appointed as the new Head Coach for the Women's 1st XI. 

Poppy joins us with a history of success in national league and age group competition as both a coach and a player. Poppy works as Head of Hockey at Ipswich School, a widely respected school with a history of winning and fighting for national titles, including the 2022 U18 Boys Indoor Championship. Poppy is currently involved in the England Hockey talent pathway system. Alongside Poppy's coaching experience, she has played for national league clubs Loughborough University, Belper, and Ipswich. 

One of Poppy's first priorities will be to ensure there is a strong team culture realised, continuing the good work under Helen Richardson-Walsh. A draw in appointing Poppy was that she is experienced in both youth development and integrating young players into performance cultures. This is essential given the club's history of producing international quality players.

Supporting Poppy as Head Coach we are very happy to retain Sam Coe as Strength and Conditioning Coach. David Madden, winner of the 'Andy Richardson Coaching Award' in 2021/22, will continue as 2nd and 3rd XI coach. This is a very exciting set up for our performance squads, and we look forward to the start of pre-season. Anyone interested in joining us for pre-season is encouraged to contact Poppy via w1coach@cambridgecityhc.org

Poppy Martin, Women's 1s XI Coach

"From the initial interactions I have had with the squad and committee, I can see the passion and support that runs through the club, which allows CCHC to maintain its position as the premier club in the East, with both Men and Women in the England Hockey League Division 1. With the introduction of young juniors to the club and the recent Talent Academy accreditation, the club is going from strength to strength and I am very excited to be a part of its continued growth. The W1s squad has the potential to push for the Premier League in the future, which would be incredible for not just the club, but for the region."

Rob Harris, Club Director

We are delighted to appoint Poppy as our new Head Coach. She is a young and vibrant coach with plenty of experience at a performance level as both a player and coach. This will be invaluable and help us continue our mission of delivering elite performance hockey as well as being a community asset for social players.

Vicki Franks, Women's 1st XI Captain

The team is really excited to start working with Poppy and see her continuing to build on the team legacy.