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STAFF
Under 16's
With the boys having high expectations for this year, the team has retained many of the same players from last season and also incorporated some new talent into producing a highly competitive group of players. This season is going to be a good one for this team!
James Cummings
u18 NBL HEAD coach | MEN'S NBL DIV 3 ASSISTANT COACH
James plays a key role in driving the club’s growth and success. After spending eight years in Europe learning the game under top-level coaches, James brings valuable experience and insight to his leadership.Since joining the club four years ago, James has led both the seniors and juniors, helping to build a strong, development-focused pathway for players of all ages.
He also oversees coach development across the club, ensuring high standards and a consistent approach to training at every level.Dedicated to creating a positive and ambitious environment, James continues to help shape the Royals into a respected and community-driven basketball club, focused on long-term growth and opportunity.
BAGGIO GRAY
U16 NBL HEAD COACH | HBL Head coach
Bio to be written.
JASON Martinez
U14 NBL HEAD COACH
I had a love of basketball from a young age as my dad played for a strong London team. Whilst playing for my school we also spent a lot of summers with my cousins in Spain training daily. I played for the met police team a few years and also helped coach before work and other commitments took precedence.
When my son started playing for the Royals a few years ago my passion was reignited and having watched them learn from a young age I felt it was a great opportunity to train and coach young children, get more involved in a game I still think is under represented in this country.
I assisted with the u12s last season and having completed my level 2 coaching qualification and move up to u14s this year have recently taken the head coach role for them. I’m enjoying the challenge of building the talented individuals into a team. I also enjoy coaching the u16 & u18 dev squad in which there are some talented players who have plenty of potential and they all love the game!
KEANE HEWITT
U18 NBL ASSISTANT COACH
Bio to be written.
T ATES
minis COACH | U12 TEAM HEAD COACH
3 years ago, watching my son play basketball with the Royals’ minis inspired me to step into coaching. With 30 years of basketball experience, including playing professionally, I was eager to share my passion.
Thanks to the club’s warm welcome, I started as a nervous new coach and have since become head coach, guiding the under-12s and under-14s. Loving every moment of this rewarding journey!
SAM BRENDLING
U16 NBL ASSISTANT Coach
Basketball has been a passion of mine since I was 12 and I have always believed that basketball has served as a positive outlet for me in life. I played primarily for school and took an interest in coaching whilst taking GCSE PE, A Level Sport Studies and later a degree in Sport Coaching and Physical Education.
Whilst completing my degree, I coached at both Youth and University Level whilst learning from a FIBA Licensed Coach in a high performance environment as well as finding my passion for Strength and Conditioning which I am happy to utilise within my role as the U16's assistant coach.
AJ
MEN NBL DIV 3 HEAD COACH
Coach AJ is a dedicated basketball coach with over 10 years of experience across Junior and Men’s National League levels. A former NBL champion as a player, Ayo has coached at the University of Hertfordshire Storm and currently leads the Stevenage Royal Men’s Division 3 team, teaching the game and guiding players.
He is working towards his Level 3 Coaching qualification, holds a Level 2 referee license, and brings a proven track record of building skills, teamwork, and game understanding. Ayo is passionate about developing players on and off the court, helping them achieve their full potential.
tally strachan
social media coordinator
I went to see Basketball at the 2012 Olympics and thought it looked fun. Dad found a local training session in Ware that I started that summer, it turned into Russell hoops where I just trained and went to camps for 4 years. Played for county in 2016-18, joined Oaklands Wolves in 2016 and played there until 2020. In that time was part of the girls u14 national champions team.
Always loved art, studied it at all exam levels and then Fine Art degree at the University of Hertfordshire. Graduated with first in September 2025. Work as a children book illustrator part time and pet portrait artist.
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