2nd August 2017: The EHF is delighted to announce the appointment of Thomas Pedersen-Smith as our new Development and Education Manager. Tom will take up this post formally on 15th August and will work alongside our current Development and Education Manager, Norman Hughes until the end of 2017.
Speaking about his appointment Tom said “I am delighted to have joined the EHF. I am looking forward to working throughout Europe with our members to deliver the EHF’s Strategic Plan 2017-2024. One of the key initiatives in the Strategic Plan which I am most looking forward to is to raise the level of professionalism in all aspects of our sport; enabling, supporting and encouraging our members through education pathways. My goals are to help increase participation and to promote and support the development of top class facilities. In order to support this growth I have been tasked with tapping into the current and future resources of the European Union and it’s agencies. As a 50/50 sport I am particularity excited about working to improve opportunities for women and girls across coaching, umpiring, playing and volunteering.”
When asked about himself he added “I have worked across the sports sector over the last 15 years with the national governing bodies for Badminton England and the England Handball Association as well as having founded my own company The Sport Agency. Previous to this I worked in education across secondary and primary schools as a School Coordinator. I am recently married and we live with our very infectious Springador dog. We are all looking forward to settling into life in Brussels!”
On his passion for sport “In my spare time I love to play a bit of hockey” when pressed, he confessed to a 20-year plus passion for hockey! “I am also trying to get to grips with the game of golf. I love the odd challenge such as an Ironman Triathlon which I completed in France two years ago.”
Finally Tom wanted to sincerely thank Norman Hughes whom he has already started working with and is very glad of the long handover with Norman over the coming months so that he can be sure to understand and develop this important role within European hockey.
Angus Kirkland, Director General, EHF welcomed Tom to the EHF saying “The EHF is very pleased to have Tom join our team full time in Brussels. This is an important role for hockey in Europe as we continue to strive to grow the game and support our members through our Development and Educational programmes. Tom comes with a wealth of experience in the development of sports coupled with a passion for Hockey. In his roles with Badminton England and the England Handball Association he has worked extensively with volunteers as well as with various funding agencies.
The terrific job Norman Hughes has done for us cannot be overstated and over the coming months Norman will help Tom and EHF make this transition as smooth as possible. We look forward to introducing Tom to those who attend the General Assembly and the Rabo EuroHockey Championships in a couple of weeks.”
For any queries on our Education and Development programmes please contact development@eurohockey.org