Southgate Hockey Club today announces that Huw Stevens has stepped down from his role as Men’s 1st Team Head Coach following two seasons leading the side, having previously served for two years as Assistant Coach to Kwan Browne.
During his time at the club, Huw became a hugely influential figure within the Southgate programme, helping to galvanise the squad during a period of transition following Browne’s departure. In his first season as Head Coach, he guided the club to securing its Premier Division status before playing a key role in attracting and developing a new generation of talent within the playing group.
Huw leaves having overseen a significant rebuilding period. Although Southgate narrowly missed out on retaining its Premier Division place following a relegation play-off, the foundations for future success remain firmly in place as the club prepares for life in Division One South next season.
Upon making his decision, Stevens said,
“After a lot of thought I’ve decided to step down as coach of the Southgate Men’s 1st Team. This hasn’t been an easy decision but I feel it’s the right time for me to take a step back and spend more time with my family.
I’m incredibly proud of what we built together over the last few seasons. The togetherness, commitment and spirit within the group has been special and it’s something I’ll never forget. Thank you to all the players, staff, volunteers and club members for all your support.
I will always support Southgate and wish everyone at the club much success moving forward.”
Director of Hockey Chris Pearce referred to Stevens’ coaching achievements to date:
“What Huw has achieved in his coaching career at such a young age is outstanding. He rose to the challenge of his first Head Coach role in a moment of difficult transition for the club and gave everything to the role during his two seasons in charge. We are grateful for his significant contribution and wish him well for what I am certain will be a successful coaching career for many years to come.”
Chairman Alastair Whatley paid tribute to Stevens’ contribution:
“Working with Huw has been a real pleasure. He came into the role at a difficult time, sacrificed a great deal for the club, and is simply one of the best club men I know.
We have been on a journey together in every sense of the word, and whilst I will miss him greatly, I am delighted he will continue to play and remain involved at the club, whether that be for the O35s Lions side or elsewhere within the men’s section next season.
He has more than earned some time away from the pressures of leading the programme and, on behalf of everybody at Southgate Hockey Club, I thank him sincerely and wish him every success for what I am certain will be a bright and exciting future.”
Huw will continue to remain part of the wider Southgate community as both a player and supporter of the club.