Three individuals have been appointed by Table Tennis England to key roles which will help create a world-class coaching workforce across the country and underpin our Olympic medal-winning ambitions.

Evie Collier is promoted to the role of Coach Learning & Development Manager, while Steve Brunskill and Dr Matthew Eggleton-Wood join as Coach Developers.

In her new role, Evie, who is currently Performance Logistics Officer, will lead transformational change in the way we recognise coaches and invest in their continued development across every level of the game.

Evie said: “I’m really excited to step into the role of Coach Learning & Development Manager. This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of delivering transformational change in how we support and develop coaches across the sport I’m looking forward to working with our brilliant coach developers to build a culture of lifelong learning – one that offers bespoke, place-based support and empowers coaches to grow in the environments they work in.

“Together, we’ll help drive forward our ambitions for player and coach development and make a lasting impact on the future of our sport.”

Coach Developers Steve and Matthew will play a pivotal role in enhancing and promoting coaching standards and supporting the development of coaches operating in our talent environments. The purpose of the role is to mentor, educate, and support coaches primarily in talent environments, ensuring that coaching practices align with Table Tennis England’s strategic objectives and the coach excellence framework.

Steve, who has an MSc in Sports Science, has been involved in table tennis for more than 40 years, coaching full-time for the last 20 years. A UKCC Level 3 coach, he has worked with many of the country’s top clubs and coaches, helping to develop national junior and cadet players across all levels.

He was Table Tennis England Coach of the Year in 2016, the Gazette Coach Mentor of the Year in 2014, and Senior British League Division 1 Player of the Year back in 2009. He continues to compete, winning several National VETTS titles and representing England VETTS at the 2023 Home Nations Championships.
He said: “I’m thrilled to join Table Tennis England in this exciting new role. Supporting and developing coaches is crucial to the future of the sport.

“I look forward to working with the coaching community to raise standards, sharing best practice, and helping every coach feel empowered to make a difference.”

Matt has a Professional Doctorate in Sport and is an accomplished coach developer, educator and performance coach with more than 15 years of experience across grassroots, elite and Paralympic sport.

His work spans individual and team environments across multiple sports and he has held leadership and academic roles at both Cardiff Metropolitan University and the University of Northampton.

Matt is passionate about creating impactful learning experiences that empower coaches and elevate performance across the sport system. He brings a unique blend of academic rigour, applied coaching insight, and innovation to support the ongoing development of coaches and coach developers within a governing body context.

Matt said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Table Tennis England as a Coach Developer. I was drawn to the supportive, forward-thinking environment, especially the focus on evidence-based coaching.

“I’m excited to use my experience of teaching and research to help coaches thrive in their clubs using an informed, collaborative approach.”

Director of Performance Gavin Development Gavin Evans said the appointments are a big step forward in the coaching strategy.

He said: “Without great coaches, it’s really hard to have a sustained pathway of success with young athletes. Having great coaches around the country who will really contribute to our ambitions is critical.

“I hope that over time our extended workforce of coach developers can bring about some really great culture change and really great learning initiatives that will bring us all together as a nation and get better at coaching.”