Taunton Olympian Ian Haley Joins King’s College as Director of Hockey

Olympic field hockey player Ian Haley is embarking on a new journey, swapping international competition for mentoring young athletes at King’s College in Taunton. The 2012 London Olympian, who represented South Africa, will take up the role of director of hockey this September.

Ian brings a wealth of experience to the position, having previously coached the Welsh Senior Men’s Team and the Wales U21 men’s squad. Excited about his new role, Ian said, “I am absolutely delighted to be joining King’s College, Taunton. Hockey here already has a strong reputation, and I look forward to enhancing the programme by introducing fresh ideas while nurturing a genuine love for the game across the school.”

King’s College, a prestigious private institution catering to pupils aged two to 18, boasts a rich history of sporting excellence. Its alumni, known as Old Aluredians, include celebrated athletes such as cricketers Neil Brand, Jos Buttler, Tom Banton, Richard Harden, and Calvin Harrison. The school’s notable former students also feature figures like Dominic Wood (famous from Dick and Dom), Welsh rugby player Matthew Robinson, actress Juno Temple, and Nobel Prize laureate Antony Hewish, who discovered pulsars.

In his new role, Ian will oversee the hockey programme across both the prep and junior schools, working closely with Clare Hayes, King’s Head of Performance Hockey. Phil Lewis, King’s director of sport, praised Ian’s appointment: “Ian’s proven record in player development and fostering positive sporting environments made him the ideal choice. This is a fantastic development not only for King’s but for hockey in the wider region. Ian’s leadership will build on the strong foundations already in place and help us continue supporting players of all abilities.”

With Ian Haley at the helm, King’s College aims to inspire a new generation of hockey talent and strengthen its proud sporting tradition.