Virginia Field Hockey Welcomes Richard Sutton to Coaching Staff

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Aug. 31, 2005

Virginia head field hockey coach Jess Wilk has announced that Richard Sutton has joined the coaching staff. Sutton, who won a national title as both a coach and a player, has both played and coached for teams in England and the Netherlands during his career. He coached the University of Birmingham men’s second XI to the national title in 1997-98 and played for the University of Birmingham men’s first XI that won the national championship that same year.

Throughout his career, Sutton has coached at various levels including National League club, Regional U21’s and University, reaching his HA Level 3 Coaching Award in 2005. Last year, Sutton coached the University of Birmingham ladies’ first XI to the national championship game. In addition, Sutton has done work for the England Hockey Association, serving in various roles from the selection process for the U16 boys to video work for the U21 Women.

Sutton has had an extensive playing career, representing the County of Warwickshire at all levels, Regional U21’s for the Midlands, played National League Hockey for Bournville HC and the University of Birmingham, and also playing stints in Holland with Gooische Hockey Club and Spandersbosch Hockey Club. In 1996-1997 Sutton’s University of Birmingham team reached the national semifinals. The following year his side won the national championship. He has also played for the University of Birmingham team who were Midlands Premier League Champions in 2003-2004.

Experience with hockey runs in Sutton’s family. Richard’s brother Matthew played on the Great Britain team and his mother Sue was the England ladies’ team manager, serving at the Commonwealth Games in 1998 and has been working with various age groups at the international level since 1989.

“We are very excited that Richard has joined the staff,” said Wilk. “His expertise and success as a coach and a player is a great complement to the program.”