British Handball is pleased to announce that Joanna Cook has been appointed to the new position of Performance Coordinator.
The newly-created, part-time role is made possible thanks to funding from the UK Sport ‘National Squads Support Fund’ (NSSF), which was secured by British Handball one year ago. https://britishhandball.com/news/british-handball-receive-uk-sport-funding
Joanna will provide support to both the men’s and women’s senior squads to continue their elite development and help ensure they adhere to the contractual requirements of the NSSF.
The role will see her work closely with the Independent Board Director responsible for Performance and the GB team managers and coaches of both senior squads, as well as the wider BHA Board.
Already, Joanna has been busy, having introductory calls with the GB coaches and managers, as well as UK Sport and the British Athlete Commission.
Joanna will combine her new role with that of Performance Manager with British Volleyball and has previously worked as the Head of Pathway Development for British Fencing, been the World Class Programme Manager for British Water Polo and Programme Manager for Sport Taekwondo through both the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympic Games’ cycle.
Paul Bray, BHA Chair, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Joanna to this new role and she has already made a very strong impression.
“Her experience in similar roles with other Olympic sports in Britain and proven success with world class programmes make her absolutely ideal to help move our GB programmes to the next performance level.”
Joanna Cook, BHA Performance Co-ordinator, said:
“I am looking forward to bringing my expertise to ensure that the upward growth of the elite British Handball teams continues while making sure that we follow all guidelines relating to the NSSF.
“This is an exciting time for British Handball with this secured funding helping to push on the senior teams at the top level, exposing them to regular, elite competition and training.
“But this is also an exciting time for me personally. I am excited about getting to know this fast-paced, exciting and inclusive sport which is truly global and those who play it, work and volunteer in it.”
