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.
Chris Farrell - Head of Athletic Development & Rugby Coach
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.
Martin Hicks
Martin joined Sherborne in September 2026 following five years as a Performance Hockey Coach at the University of Bristol, working with both men's and women's performance squads alongside his long career with the Ministry of Defence.
A graduate of the GB Hockey Advanced Coach Programme, Martin designed, led and coached the Bristol Hockey Talent Academy. Working within the England Hockey Talent System, he developed a holistic programme that combined technical and tactical development with physical preparation, psychological skills and teamwork, helping young players fulfil their potential both on and off the pitch.
Prior to working at Bristol, Martin held a number of coaching roles within county hockey and the England Hockey Performance Centre system. He has coached also in both senior and junior club environments; giving him extensive experience of developing athletes across a range of ages and stages of performance across his coaching background.
At Sherborne, Martin works across the three schools, leading the strategic development of hockey while supporting players at every stage of their journey. He leads the 1st XI programme and works closely with Sport Scholars within the High-Performance Programme, helping them balance ambition, performance and personal development.
Martin is passionate about helping young people become the best version of themselves. He believes in creating challenging, supportive and enjoyable environments where players can flourish through hard work, curiosity, intelligent decision-making and a genuine love of the game.
Paddy Hyams
Paddy joined us in September 2026 as a Rugby Football Union (RFU) Level 3 Coach with an MSc in Rugby Performance, bringing over seven years' experience coaching within Premiership club academy pathways and educational settings.
His coaching career spans both university rugby and academy programmes at Bath Rugby and Gloucester Rugby, giving him extensive experience developing players at a high level. He currently works as a Player Development Group Coach at Bath Rugby, supporting the identification and development of players as they progress through the performance pathway.
Paddy also spent two years with the RFU as a Coach Developer, working directly with coaches to support their development and improve coaching practice across the game.
