Andy Reid
Andy is Head of Hockey at Sherborne Prep. He joined the school in 2018 and works with pupils from Years 3 to 8. His philosophy centres on making hockey enjoyable and accessible, with the belief that a love for the sport leads to long-term success at an appropriate level, while also pushing top teams to achieve as highly as possible.
Despite being a small school, Sherborne Prep has featured in five national finals since 2018. Andy’s playing career began in club hockey in Bristol before moving to Plymouth. He later spent two seasons in Australia, where he was coached by Jim Irvine, then Australia vice-captain, which sparked his interest in coaching. This developed further after a year at St Luke’s in Exeter.
A teaching career spanning 25 years has gradually evolved into a coaching career that is very much ongoing. Andy continues to play for his local club and Somerset Over 65s when possible. He holds a Level 3 Hockey award, gained in 2010, and has coached at school, club and junior level since 1989.
Over the years, Andy has won four England Hockey gold medals, two with Millfield and two with Clifton Ladies Second Team. At junior level, he has worked with county development squads, Somerset County teams, West squads, Performance Centres in Bristol and Taunton, High Performance Camps and the Wessex Leopards at Futures Cup events. He is particularly proud to have worked with several current England Women’s squad players at different stages of their hockey journeys.
Chris Weale
Chris joined Sherborne Boys in September 2019. He enjoyed a nineteen-year professional playing career with clubs including Leicester City, Bristol City and Yeovil Town FC. Prior to joining Sherborne Boys, he was player-coach at Exeter City and holds a UEFA B coaching licence.
Chris has worked under several England managers, including Steve McClaren, Sven-Göran Eriksson, Aidy Boothroyd and Nigel Pearson. At Sherborne Boys, he works across all age groups and leads the U18A squad competing in the Football WISL.
He also delivers CPD opportunities for staff, with a focus on building confidence and competence in delivery, a programme he hopes to extend to local schools in the future. Having recently achieved a First Class degree in Sports and Exercise Science, Chris works closely with Sport Scholars across all disciplines within the High Performance Programme, supporting both technical development and tactical understanding.
Chris is passionate about creating an environment where all players can flourish, underpinned by honesty, respect and hard work. He believes enjoyment is the foundation of player development and brings this ethos to every session.
Richard Keen
Richard, an LTA Level 4 qualified and Accredited+ coach, joined Sherborne Boys as Director of Tennis in January 2022. He has since played a central role in developing a dynamic tennis programme that caters for all age groups and encourages boys to challenge themselves.
Under Richard’s leadership, Sherborne Boys competes in all major LTA schools competitions and travels to Eton for ISTA fixtures, giving pupils the chance to test themselves against strong opposition. Alongside team competition, Richard places strong emphasis on individual player development, supporting pupils with tournament planning, LTA events and ranking progression.
Richard also plays a key role in the High Performance Programme, working closely with Sports Scholars to develop all-round athletic ability. He is actively involved in strengthening the tennis pathway at Sherborne Prep, ensuring continuity and opportunity for younger players.
Ryan Buckley
Ryan, an ECB Advanced Coach, joined Sherborne Boys as Director of Cricket Coaching in August 2023. As a player, Ryan represented Durham CCC, winning the LV County Championship in 2013, before retiring in 2015 to focus on coaching.
His coaching experience spans performance environments including Durham Cricket, Somerset CCC, Dorset CCC and Western Storm, alongside development roles at Millfield School and in Hong Kong. Cricket at Sherborne Boys runs throughout the academic year and includes a pre-season Easter camp to prepare for the summer term.
A weekly house indoor cricket competition supports pupils outside the winter performance programme, alongside coaching delivered to Sherborne Prep during the winter months. On Wednesday afternoons, cricket scholars follow individually tailored programmes designed to help them reach their full potential.
Fraser Henderson
Fraser joined Sherborne Boys from Clifton College, where he also coached the Clifton Robinsons Men’s First Team in the West Conference League. He played hockey for several years, representing Scotland Under 18s and Under 21s before retiring at 22 due to injury.
Fraser is an FIH and England Hockey coach and is keen to develop hockey at Sherborne Boys, with a particular focus on indoor hockey within the Sherborne Sports Centre facility.
Louise Dennis
Louise is currently National Programmes Coach Developer at England Rugby. Her extensive experience mentoring and developing coaches is a valuable asset to the rugby programme, where she supports the technical development of all rugby coaches.
As a player, Louise won the Premiership with Worcester and represented England Under 20s. She has also worked with Bath Rugby First XV men’s squad as Head of Leadership and Growth, and as Head of Rugby Operations and Player Welfare.
In addition, Louise has held lecturing roles at Hartpury College and senior leadership positions within the Army Rugby Union. Her combined experience across elite sport, education and strategy makes her an outstanding choice to lead the development of rugby at Sherborne Boys.
Chris Farrell
Chris joined Sherborne Boys as Head of Athletic Development and First XV Forwards Coach. He studied Strength and Conditioning, Rehabilitation and Massage at Cardiff Metropolitan University and brings seven years’ experience as a personal trainer, alongside recent work at Wellington College as a Rugby and Strength and Conditioning Consultant.
Chris has played rugby at a high level in the UK and overseas, including seasons in Australia and Holland, and has competed in National League Two for Lydney, Chester and Sutton and Epsom. He has also combined playing and coaching at Grasshoppers RFC.
His role supports the First XV programme and enhances physical development pathways across the school. Working closely with the Director of Rugby and sports performance staff, Chris helps ensure pupils benefit from high-quality, progressive athletic development.
