Rio Olympic gold medallist Helen Richardson-Walsh takes over as head coach of Cambridge City Hockey Club

Helen Richardson-Walsh has been appointed the new head coach of Cambridge City Hockey Club.

The 37-year-old Rio Olympics gold medalist will step up from assistant coach to take over from Ross Hayward, who had been in the role for eight years.

During that time, City have consolidated their position in the England Hockey, Conference East, before earning promotion to the newly-created Division One at the conclusion of the 2018/19 campaign.

Hayward has helped to nurture and install trust in younger players across the club, helping guide them into the first team.

Richardson-Walsh has 19 international medals to her name, including Olympic and European gold, and a playing pedigree that numbers Leicester, Reading, Den Bosch and Bloemendaal among former clubs.

City are already actively recruiting as they target winning England Hockey Division One next season.

“I’m incredibly excited to take on the role as head coach,” said Richardson-Walsh.

“I’ve had the pleasure of playing at the club for the past two seasons so have seen first hand what an exceptional club it is.

“With the development of the site, two new pitches, the clubhouse refurbishment, alongside a thriving adult and junior section, the club is in a great place with exciting aspirations for the future.

“It’s an honour to be a part of it and I look forward to working alongside a great squad of women as we take on the challenge in our new league.”

City chairman Mark Brookes said: “We are delighted to confirm Helen’s appointment following a superb playing and assistant coaching role to our ladies’ first team squad.

“She both inspires by example and pushes herself both in training and in matches to perform at the highest level, and will bring these skills to bear in the coming seasons.”