COACHES | CobrasBasketballClub

MEET THE COACHES

Ruth Fettes

CVL & Afterschool Clubs
Academy Study Tutor

I first started playing basketball at secondary school when I was 13. I had moved from the Midlands to Bracknell and found myself at a large, rough school. I had no friends and was bullied for my accent. I used to go to the sports hall every break and lunch to play basketball. My form tutor, who was also a PE teacher, encouraged me as he played basketball too. At that time, there was a pro team in Bracknell, The Bracknell Tigers, and I started watching them with my brother. I played for the school and County team and continued at university.

I got into coaching 17 years ago when my youngest, Ben, was about 3. I was working as Director of Development for a professional basketball team, and my two eldest children wanted to play, so I started coaching the U10s. In 2010, I set up the Bracknell Cobras to create a safe, welcoming space for anyone from any background or ability to try basketball.
Now, I coach U8s, walking basketball, after-school clubs, and promotional sessions, helping people discover the joy of basketball, just like I did when I first picked up the ball.

Alex Halmkam

CVL, NL, Academy & SEN

Aspire Programme Lead

My basketball journey began when I was 11 years old, joining an afterschool club that introduced me to the game. From there, I played National League basketball from U14 through U18. During this time, I competed in what is now known as ASPIRE and represented the South England team in the 2014 Regional Tournament. I also spent two years playing academy basketball at Henley College, which helped me improve my skills and deepen my love for basketball.

My coaching journey started at 15, when I volunteered to coach U10s on Saturday mornings. That experience sparked my passion for teaching the game. In 2020, I joined the Bracknell Cobras as a coach and now work with the club full-time.

I hold a Level 2 Coaching certification and a Level 3 Table Official qualification, equipping me to contribute both on and off the court.

Outside of basketball, I’m a big movie enthusiast and love going to the cinema. My favorite basketball movie is Coach Carter because it perfectly captures the values of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance—principles I strive to bring to my coaching.

Jean-David Kabongo

CVL Coach
National League Coach

My name is JD, and basketball has been a major part of my life since I first picked up a ball at age 12. I got my start at the DaFirm Basketball Clinic, where I quickly developed a love for the game and began building the fundamentals that still guide my play today. One of my early highlights was winning a CVL championship and being named MVP - a moment that gave me the confidence and motivation to keep pushing forward.

I went on to play four seasons of junior National League basketball with the Croydon Cougars. Those years were critical in shaping me as both a player and a teammate, offering the chance to compete at a high level while also learning the importance of discipline, commitment, and teamwork. After my time in junior basketball, I took the next step by playing for Solent in BUCS Premier, where I faced some of the best university-level competition in the country. Now, I’m excited to be part of the Cobras family. I’m looking forward to this next chapter - meeting new teammates, learning from great coaches, and growing within a competitive environment. Most of all, I can’t wait to see everyone at our home games next season and contribute everything I can to the team’s success.

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Richard Stollery

National League
Assistant Coach

I’m an experienced coach with a background in coaching junior, senior, men’s, and women’s teams at both local and national levels. My basketball journey began when I represented Leicestershire while at university, and I also played in the National League for the Camberley Eagles.

Throughout my coaching career, I’ve had the privilege of coaching my daughter, Alex, who represented the Reading Rockets, and my son, Joe, while coaching the Guildford Heat U16 and U18 teams. Joe has since become one of our qualified Cobras coaches, which has been a proud moment for me.

It’s also a family affair in our coaching staff, as my son-in-law, Andy Blakeway, has played at national level, including with Brixton Topcats, and is now also a qualified Cobras coach. Having the chance to coach alongside my family and watch them develop their passion for basketball has been incredibly fulfilling.

Basketball has not only shaped my life but also brought our family closer together. I’m proud to see the next generation of players and coaches emerge within our family, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to the sport I love. It’s a family affair!

Andy Blakeway

National League Coach

I’m an assistant coach for the Cobras U16 NL II team. My basketball journey began in Nottingham, where I played age group National League basketball for Notts NOVA. I then went on to play in the BUCS Premier League and National League Division 2 with Birmingham University. After graduating, I moved to London and played in NL Division 2 for Brixton Topcats.

I’m a Level 1 qualified coach and a Level 2 table official. While I’m relatively new to coaching, I bring a wealth of experience as a player, having played at various levels across different teams. I’m excited to transition into coaching and look forward to sharing the knowledge I’ve gained throughout my basketball journey with the kids at Cobras.

Coaching has already proven to be a rewarding challenge. I’m eager to pass on not just basketball skills, but also the lessons I’ve learned about teamwork, dedication, and perseverance. At the same time, I’m excited to continue learning and growing as a coach. I believe that every practice is an opportunity to improve, and I look forward to helping the next generation of players develop both on and off the court.

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Andy Lewington

National League Coach

I am currently working with the Bracknell Cobras U16 women’s team and have been an active coach in the Bracknell area for over 30 years. During this time, I’ve had the privilege of coaching at the National League level across all junior age groups, as well as with men’s and women’s teams.

I was the original Head Coach of the Bracknell Cobras, helping Ruth establish the club when it was founded in 2010. It was an exciting time, but my overseas work commitments required me to step away from coaching for several years. Fortunately, I was able to return to the club in 2022, and it’s been fantastic to reconnect with the team and the sport I love.

Outside of basketball, I work for the London Fire Brigade, where I lead the Training Design Function. It’s a challenging and rewarding role that keeps me on my toes. When I’m not working or coaching, you’ll likely find me on the golf course, trying to perfect my swing, or supporting my wife in her equestrian pursuits.

Coaching has always been a passion of mine, and I’m proud to continue contributing to the growth and success of the Cobras.

Ben Fettes

Wessex Mens Coach

I am the Men’s Programme General Manager at the club and coach Cobras Kai, our Division 3 Wessex Men’s team. My basketball journey began with the Cobras when my mum founded the club in 2010. I was 7 years old at the first session and have been part of the club ever since. I played National League basketball for the Cobras from ages 9 to 17 before joining the men’s team and later becoming General Manager.

Currently, I am studying Football Coaching and Management at UCFB Wembley University. My course has enhanced my coaching skills, which I apply to my role at the Cobras. While I aim to build a career in football, I remain passionate about basketball and know I’ll always be connected to the Cobras in some way.

Looking ahead, my goal is to continue developing the men’s programme. Currently, we have two teams, and I aim to grow this while ensuring both teams achieve strong performances in their respective leagues. The Cobras have been an integral part of my life, and I’m excited to contribute to their success and future growth.

Shem Britton

Slough CVL Coach &
National League Coach

My name is Shemmar Britton and my basketball journey started when I was around 6 years old competing with my older brother who was better at the park . Eventually we both joined a club called 'Eastside Eagles' which is based around east London . We both got into the national team & invited to play for the borough of Walthamstow for the youth games .

Moving forward , in secondary school I continued my basketball journey with Eastside Eagles & played for my school team , when I went to college ( Epping Forest College) , we had a partnership with London Lions which gave me the opportunity to train at the copper box area , also allowing me to train / mentored by some of the London Lions players .

When I got the university, in my first year I managed to make starting 5 on the 1st men team ( Brighton ) and ended up becoming the captain throughout the 4 years I studied . Since I've graduated, I decided to go straight into work to teach at secondary school but my love for basketball never stopped , so on top of teaching PE , I'm in charge of the school teams from year 7 to sixth from.

I will be helping to coach the U14 team, and I’m excited to begin this new chapter in my basketball journey. Coming from Lithuania, basketball has always been a big part of my life. Back home, it’s more than just a sport—it’s a way of life. I started playing from a young age because basketball was everywhere, and everyone was talking about it. You didn’t really have a choice but to get involved, and I quickly fell in love with the game.

Although I don’t have a professional playing background or formal basketball qualifications, my passion for the sport runs deep. Basketball has been my main focus and interest for as long as I can remember, and I’ve spent years developing my understanding of the game.

This is my first coaching role, and I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to share my enthusiasm for basketball with the U14 team. Coaching is a new challenge for me, but I’m eager to learn and grow alongside the players. I’m excited to contribute to their development, both as athletes and as individuals, while building a positive and supportive team environment.

Arunas Gulbinas

CVL Coach

Danielle Dias

Afterschool Clubs

CVL Coach

Coaches BIO Coming Soon

Michaela Tucker-Blackford

National League Coach

I started playing basketball at the age of 15 for Solent Ladies and quickly fell in love with the game. I played at the National League level and for the South England juniors. My basketball journey took me to Eau Claire University in the USA, where I played for the Bluegolds. After suffering an ACL injury, I transitioned into coaching, working with teams such as London Towers, Trailblazers, and Invictus. I also served as the Head Academy Coach at Bournemouth and Southampton Universities, where I led both teams to win all four titles.

Recently, I spent time living in Madrid and Slovakia, where I coached both the U14 and U18 boys and girls teams, achieving back-to-back season wins for the past three years. Coaching has always been a family affair for me—I’ve had the pleasure of coaching both of my daughters. My oldest played for England and GB, while my youngest currently plays in Slovakia.

Throughout my coaching career, I’ve been passionate about developing players and helping them grow, both on and off the court. I’m excited to bring my experience and love for the game to new coaching opportunities and continue inspiring the next generation of players.

Caylin Raftopoulus

CVL Coach

National League Coach

Coaches BIO Coming Soon

Dan Lloyd

National League Coach

Basketball has been central to my life and career, beginning in the United States where I was born and raised. I earned a basketball scholarship to college, which opened the door to a lifelong journey in the sport. After college, I moved to England and played professionally throughout the late 1970s and 1980s. During this time, I had the privilege of representing both England and Great Britain, gaining extensive international experience. Following my playing career, I moved into coaching at a high level, including professional teams and national programs. I spent several years working with England teams and had the honour of coaching Great Britain’s squad at the World University Games over four consecutive tournaments. It was during this time that I met and coached Martin Gottfried, a memorable highlight of my coaching career. More recently, I’ve continued my involvement in the game through coaching roles with the Reading Rockets. I worked with their men's team for several seasons and later led their Division 3 squad, focusing on player development and team cohesion. My approach to coaching is shaped by decades of experience and a passion for helping athletes grow both on and off the court. I remain dedicated to contributing to the game at all levels.

Marc Rose

National League Volunteer
Assistant Coach

I played some basketball in school, but rugby was always my main sport. Unfortunately, injuries forced me to stop playing rugby. Years later, a couple of guys from the gym where I work asked if I’d like to try basketball again. In 2017, the Bracknell Cobras men’s team was reborn, and I became one of the 12 players. Around the same time, my eldest son started training with the U10s, even though he was only 5 at the time.

It didn’t take long for my rugby-worn body to give up. After a couple of enjoyable years playing for the Cobras, injuries once again forced me to stop. During that time, my son Jake had progressed significantly and was showing real passion for basketball. While sitting on the sidelines watching him train, I realized it would be a waste not to use my skills from my degree in sports coaching and my career in fitness and personal training to help out.

The rest is history. I now enjoy my role as a helper and bench personnel, supporting the team where I can while leaving the technical coaching to the main coaches. It’s rewarding to contribute and stay connected to the sport.

Keri Williams

Academy Study Tutor

Coaches BIO Coming Soon

Sebastien Williams

National League

Assistant Coach

Coaches BIO Coming Soon

Creon Raftopoulus

CVL & National League Coach Lead

I’m Creon Raftopoulos, a professional basketball coach with a lifelong passion for the game. Originally from Zimbabwe, I’ve had the privilege of coaching in the British Basketball League for over a decade, leading teams like Teesside Mohawks, Guildford Heat, and Surrey Scorchers, where I was proud to be named BBL Coach of the Year in 2018.

Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to help players grow not just their basketball skills, but their mindset, confidence, and understanding of what it takes to succeed — on and off the court.

Long-time friend of Ruth Fettes, and I’m passionate about supporting the fantastic work she and the Cobras Basketball Club are doing. I regularly attend Cobras sessions to share my coaching insights, support the coaches, and work with the players on developing both their fundamentals and their love for the game.

Marie Woozley

CVL Volunteer

Assistant Coach

Coaches BIO Coming Soon

Jenny Dorney-Savage

Coaches BIO Coming Soon

National League Volunteer

Assistant Coach

Steve Pearl

Basketball is about players. Give them the fundamentals of the game and the opportunity to express themselves and they and their team will be successful

Womens National League

Coach

Maryam Aboueldahab

CVL Girls Coach

Coaches BIO Coming Soon

Steve Gater

CVL Volunteer

Assistant Coach

Coaches BIO Coming Soon

Adam Pascoe

National League Volunteer

Assistant Coach

Coaches BIO Coming Soon

Caitlin Reed

CVL Coach

National League Coach

Basketball has been a defining part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up in the U.S., I spent nearly 20 years immersed in the game, playing at various levels - from school and club teams to university competition and beyond. Basketball has taken me across different states and now countries, shaping my discipline, mindset, and passion for both playing and coaching. My coaching journey began with youth and community teams, where I developed a deep appreciation for teaching fundamentals and nurturing a love for the game. Over time, I moved into more competitive roles, coaching at the NCAA university level before relocating to the UK. Since then, I’ve worked across various levels, including National League programs and international teams representing Wales. These experiences have strengthened my belief in basketball as a vehicle for growth, leadership, and character. My coaching philosophy centres on development - helping athletes reach their full potential on and off the court. I strive to create positive, encouraging environments where players can grow in skill, confidence, and resilience. Mentorship is a big part of my role, and I take pride in guiding young athletes toward success. Now in Bracknell, I’m excited to contribute, collaborate, and help build a culture of passion, discipline, and excellence in basketball.