Brandon Roach, an esteemed hockey coach and physical education instructor at Feilding High School, has received accolades for his exceptional coaching contributions at the Hockey New Zealand awards. Roach, who dedicates all of his available time to hockey, manages multiple coaching positions and exhibits unwavering dedication to the sport and the athletes under his tutelage. Upon receiving the award, he expressed sincere gratitude and humility, emphasizing his primary focus on nurturing the players’ talents and assisting them in achieving their aspirations.
Over the course of the year, Roach has assumed coaching responsibilities for various teams, including the Manawatū women’s National Hockey Championship team, the Manawatū under-18 girls team, the Feilding High School First XI boys team, the Feilding Division One men’s and women’s club teams, as well as the Tai Uru men’s and women’s team. Additionally, he is a part of the Future Black Sticks coaching group and occasionally competes for the Feilding men’s club team. Despite the demanding nature of his schedule, Roach remains steadfast in his commitment to his coaching duties and consistently seeks opportunities to contribute to the progression of hockey in the region.
Recognizing the pivotal role he plays, Roach makes personal sacrifices to ensure that he can fully devote himself to his coaching obligations. He arrives at school early, stays late, and efficiently manages his time between classes to accommodate his coaching and planning. His coaching journey commenced in 2013 when he took on the role during his time as a player at Massey. Subsequently, he has broadened his coaching pursuits and established ambitious objectives, including the aspiration to coach the New Zealand under-21 women’s team.
Roach’s dedication and influence extend beyond the realm of the game, as evidenced by the achievements of Feilding High School players who have attained recognition in New Zealand age-group teams. His mentors, Verity Sharland and Shea McAleese, both educators at Feilding High School and assistant coaches of the women’s Black Sticks, have played instrumental roles in influencing and supporting Roach on his coaching journey. Furthermore, his association with sponsors John and Angela Turkington has provided invaluable support for hockey in the region, enabling Roach to explore new opportunities and make significant contributions to the sport’s advancement.