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MEET THE COACHES
Ruth Fettes
CVL Coach
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.
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 Coach
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 favourite basketball movie is Coach Carter because it perfectly captures the values of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance—principles I strive to bring to my coaching.
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 favourite 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 & NL 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.
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.
Richard Stollery
NL 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!
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!
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
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
Andy Lewington
NL & Walking Basketball 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.
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.
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