The Norfolk Knights Wheelchair Rugby team is thrilled to announce the appointment of Carl Jones as their new coach. Carl retired from teaching in September 2023 after a distinguished 41-year career as a PE teacher, including 21 years as Director of Sport at a state boarding school renowned for its excellence in sports provision and achievement.
During his tenure, Carl coached and mentored countless individuals across a broad spectrum of able-bodied sports, although he had never ventured into coaching disability sports. Retirement quickly revealed to Carl that he missed the dynamic environment of working with individuals and teams, striving to enhance their performances and foster cohesive groups.
In his search for meaningful volunteer opportunities in the local area, Carl discovered an advertisement for a coaching position with the Norfolk Knights Wheelchair Rugby team. Despite his limited exposure to wheelchair rugby—his only experience being a spectator at the 2012 Paralympics—the opportunity ignited his enthusiasm. The prospect of transferring his extensive coaching experience to a new and challenging environment was irresistible.
After initial discussions with the club and attending a training session, Carl was captivated. He was warmly welcomed by club officials, players, and supporters, and found the environment invigorating. The players quickly embraced his coaching methods, resulting in noticeable improvements in both individual and team performances during training and tournaments.
"Saturday afternoon training sessions and the various competitions throughout the season have become highlights of my week," Carl remarked. "The passion and dedication of the players are truly inspiring, and I am eager to help them reach new heights in their performance."
Looking ahead, Carl is committed to working closely with the players to elevate their skills and achieve greater success in competitions and tournaments. He is also dedicated to growing the club by recruiting more members and continuing to offer wheelchair rugby as an exciting and inclusive sport for disabled athletes in the local community.
The Norfolk Knights Wheelchair Rugby team is excited about the future under Carl's leadership, confident that his experience and enthusiasm will drive the team to new achievements.