Club Chairman

Jack Purdham

Jack’s interest for basketball started when a year group tournament was set up with his school at King’s. Following on from the success of the tournament, a club was established at the school and run by no other than Bill Baxter. Jack went on to join the Grizzlies, training in the junior teams and also become one of the youngest players to play for the men’s team at the time. Turning 16 Jack was selected for regional squad Cheshire Jets. 
After graduating the degree of Sports Coaching at the University, Jack took his coaching ability abroad to the USA and St Lucia, Coaching all ages and abilities over the summer seasons. Congleton has always been his home club and in his still forever growing career as a player and coach, adding the title of Chairman makes him very excited for the future of newly reformed Congleton Grizzlies Basketball Club.

Secretary/Club Welfare Officer

Bill Baxter

Bill has been a part of the national basketball community for over 50 years, leading a number of clubs to success ranging from starting afresh and entering a league, to winning the league itself! Having input on the rules of the British game, as well as being heavily involved in the development of 100's of players, Bills name is well known in the UK. Having ran the Congleton club for a number of years, Bill now coaches the u10s at our club, returning to the roots he started at and inspiring yet another generation of ballers. 

Treasurer/Club Head Coach

Ryan Anderson

Having started playing basketball at age 12, Ryan went on to win the Buckinghamshire County Cup twice, reach the semi-finals of the Secondary Schools National Cup in 2009, and reach six straight District tournament finals from 2007 to 2012, winning both the 2011 and 2012 Tournaments. 

Ryan also played for the Milton Keynes College Lions from 2012 to 2014, with an undefeated season as well as playing u18 National League with the Milton Keynes Lions youth setup.

Ryan has numerous qualifications relating to basketball, with a Coaching level 2 award, Officials Level 2 award, Referee Level 2 award as well as coaching at numerous events across the country.

Juniors Coach

Tom Watson

Tom became began playing basketball with Congleton Grizzlies at 13 years old, and over 25 years later he is now a coach at the club where it all started.

During his time with the club, Tom has attended basketball clinics with professional teams such as the Houston Rockets, Manchester Giants and Sheffield Sharks, learning skills and techniques that he can pass on to the next generation of players. Tom has also played many years of Semi-Pro basketball in the local leagues and as a member of Basketball England. 

As a youth coach, Tom wants to focus on teaching the children the fundamentals of the game in a fun and positive environment where hopefully, they will learn to love the game as much as he does. 

Club  Liaison Officer

Wayne Hartshorn

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Associate Coach - Juniors u16s

Matthew Akker

Matt began playing basketball at school, regularly being a key player. His passion for the game led him to national league teams at Bury and Bolton, leading to a place on the U16 England team. Coached by Geoff Watson and the late Dave Jopson at Bolton, Matt’s love for the game was firmly cemented in his life. He went on to play at Leeds University and later at Stoke Fire/Steelers in Division 2. Almost 30 years on and although injuries prevent Matt from playing basketball, he now has two young Grizzlies in the u14 and u16 teams and he has found a new way to enjoy the game through coaching the next generation. Matt is currently undergoing a Level 2 coaching course, having completed his Level 1 earlier in the year.

Associate Coach - Juniors u12s

Leam Wright

Leam started his basketball journey at high school, playing throughout his education years. he then moved onto more recreational basketball with friends over the years before his son joined the Grizzlies. This reignited Leams passion for the game and as such, Leam took on his coaching badges with us. Upon completion of this coaching badges, Leam has joined the ranks at the club to help us develop the younger generations that join us and help progress the club forward. 

Associate Outsource Coach - Juniors (Congleton/Alsager) u12s/u14s

Lewis Brisco

Lewis got into basketball a few years ago, starting playing after watching both home and away fixtures of the Cheshire Phoenix. After completing his coaching badges, Lewis joined the club in order to help us with our outreach initiatives with other clubs. Lewis began coaching the u13s Alsager Aces team, who compete at the Warrington Ball Hall on a weekly basis. Alongside this outreach for the Grizzlies, Lewis will also be assisting the club in a more hands on role at our open sessions moving forward, with a view to becoming a head coach of a junior side soon.

Associate Coach - Juniors u14s

David Leah

Juniors Player Representative

TBC

Parent Representative