8th June 2010
Farewell to Mike
Mike Leatt is leaving Welsh Hockey after 3½ years; 3 years as CEO and then, since 1 March, in the interim role as Performance Lead where he agreed to provide continued support to both performance and the CEO.
Mike started life with Welsh Hockey in February 2007 and during the following 3 years made significant changes to Hockey in Wales; notably the movement to a skills based Board of Directors, relocation of the WHU, strengthening of the talent identification pathway, hosting of the EuroNations Competition in 2009 and significant strides throughout the performance environment. Both Senior Men and Women qualified for World Cup Qualifiers in 2010, Under 18 boys won Gold at the UK School Games in 2009 and Wales will be represented at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi later this year through our Senior Women.
Mike says "It has been a great privilege to work with so many dedicated people and have the opportunity to help shape this fantastic sport. In particular, I am delighted with the degree of collaboration that now exists between coaching staff across the international squads and elsewhere in the player pathway. I am also encouraged by the coming together of player programmes in all aspects of the Welsh hockey calendar to give athletes ever improving opportunities to develop and represent Wales and GB. I have also enjoyed the ground breaking work with other nations, particularly those from these islands with whom we share so much. Finally, I have learnt immeasurably from the passionate discussions with regional, community and club officials and our own staff to whom hockey in Wales is incredibly indebted. In what are difficult times all round, it is exciting to know that hockey is getting stronger in many ways. I will not be losing contact and wish everyone involved with Welsh Hockey at every level, the very best for a bright future".
WHU Chairman Karen Evans says "Mike has achieved so much for the WHU since he has been with us and we will be sorry to see him go. The list of achievements within Welsh Hockey that Mike has strived for are endless due to his drive, enthusiasm and passion for our sport. Mike ventured into hockey at a very turbulent time; however, Mike soon rallied the staff, members and our partners and produced a strategic plan to take us 2013. Without the hard work, dedication, selfless time and effort that Mike has given our sport we wouldn't be where we are today and for that, we thank him very much". Mike will be leaving Welsh Hockey at the end of July and is looking forward to less traveling, more golf and will no doubt be keeping in contact with us and will keep a watchful eye on Wales' progress!
