A critical appointment for the National Governing Body, Edwards will be instrumental in driving forward the delivery of British Wheelchair Basketball’s ambitious Paris Strategy.
He will oversee the facilitation of a strategy that aims to deliver complete system change across the sports high performance landscape; with a clear focus on developing more elite level coaches, identifying and developing a greater breadth and depth of wheelchair basketball talent, and embedding and developing positive cultures and behaviours throughout the GB Programme. Alongside this he will lead the GB teams in their journey to realise international medal successes through to Paris and Beyond.
Excellently qualified to lead this change programme and performance success, Edwards brings to the role extensive elite sport experience from both his professional career within UK Sport and The English Institute of Sport, as well as his accomplished Rugby Union and League playing career.
His career includes roles as Paralympic Coach Advisor for UK Sport during the Rio 2016 cycle and into the Tokyo 2020 cycle, and most recently his current post as Head of Coach Development at UK Sport.
Edwards will take up post from 1st July 2022, as the GB Performance Programme focuses its training programme on the November World Championships and retaining the Men’s Title as well as securing a podium finish for the GB Women’s Team.
British Wheelchair Basketball CEO, Lisa Pearce commented on the appointment:
“This is a critical moment for our sport, and the appointment of an individual with Diccon’s experience within elite and para sport will be vital in effecting positive cultural change as well as delivering our medal targets. His extensive knowledge of the sector, and his personal experience of team sport and coaching will bring a unique perspective to the Performance Director role.
“The athletes and staff are all delighted to welcome Diccon to the team and are looking forward to working with him to realise the true potential of our sport both domestically and internationally.
On his appointment, Diccon Edwards said:
“It is a privilege to be offered the opportunity to lead the Performance programme and build on the recent successes within the sport. We have a clear vision and strategy to be the leading Wheelchair Basketball nation, to both grow and develop the player pathway and achieve consistent medal success and I am excited to be able to play a part in the future with the team of players and staff”
