Chatham High School

Guudji Yiigu Nyura... Welcome All.

Telephone02 6552 2588

Emailchatham-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Coaching and Mentoring

Students will have access to facilities, resources, individualised coaching and mentoring. It is expected all students in the program show the same dedication, sportsmanship and pride in achievement that they would in their own social and representative sports.

Our training and coaching program nurtures the development of fit and healthy, young athletes and equips them for effective competition on the sporting field.

Our coaches bring a caring, professional attitude to the program, which fosters a spirit of enjoyment, camaraderie and success in every student-athlete.

COACH Kyle - Director of Rugby League

Kyle brings over 15 years of coaching experience across primary, secondary, and senior levels in Rugby League and League Tag. Known for his respectful and nurturing approach, Kyle is committed to developing athletes both on and off the field—focusing on fundamental development, improving performance, wellbeing, and personal growth.
He prides himself on creating inclusive, high-performance environments where every player is supported in achieving their potential.

Qualifications & Achievements

  • Diploma in Sports Coaching
  • NRL RISE Program – Head Coach
  • Level 1 Sports Trainer
  • U6–U12s NRL Referee
  • International Games / Community Club Coach Accreditation (U6-19+)
  • Vice President – Forster Tuncurry RLFC (2019–2022)
  • Premiership Player:
  • U18’s – Forster Tuncurry
  • U21’s – North Ryde
  • Reserve Grade Grand Finalist – Captain-Coach (Forster Tuncurry)
  • Extensive coaching experience from Under 6s to First Grade, across both male and female Tackle and League Tag

Coaching Philosophy

I coach to create a fun, safe, inclusive environment where every athlete is valued, challenged, and inspired to grow—both on and off the field.
Through the RISE principles of Respect, Inspire, Self-Discipline and Empowerment, I aim to develop confident players who understand that effort, attitude, and teamwork are the true measures of success.
I believe that every athlete, regardless of skill level or experience, has the potential to improve with the right support. My role is to teach the game with care and clarity, to build resilience through honest feedback, and to foster a team culture built on trust, accountability, and mutual respect.
I coach not just to develop better players, but to help grow better people: athletes who are proud of their progress, connected to their team, and prepared for the challenges beyond sport.
"Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard"

 

 

Coach Elliott Pannell-Bruton – Director of Basketball

At 54 years old, Elliott brings over 36 years of coaching experience across schools and elite programs in Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia, and Victoria. He has a proven track record of developing players from grassroots through to State and Australian Championship levels. Elliott’s coaching philosophy emphasizes basketball fundamentals, teamwork, respect, wellbeing, and fostering positive life attitudes. Deeply committed to helping athletes reach their full potential, he is passionate about creating clear pathways for the next generation of Australian basketballers.

Qualifications & Achievements:

  • Level 2 Coaching Certificate

  • Multi-sport athlete who played basketball, AFL, soccer, athletics, rugby league, and rugby union

  • Represented Australia U16 Juniors and competed at both State and National levels

  • Selected for State Schoolboys Teams in AFL, soccer, athletics, and basketball (Geelong, VIC)

  • Invited to the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in 1986

  • Signed a professional contract in Year 11 with the Mandurah Kanyana Kings (State League – now NBL1), leading in steals, assists, and free throws, and earning All-Star recognition in his rookie year

  • Holds PAS Scoring & Assist Records and equaled the WA PSA 100m Record (10.9s) at Hale School (WA)

  • Represented Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia at Australian Championships

  • Won multiple State Championship titles in VIC, QLD, and WA (U12–U20 Men’s divisions)

  • Played four consecutive years with the WA U20 Men’s Team

  • Coached Brisbane Representative Teams (U18 Boys & Girls)

  • Coached Queensland U18 Boys & Girls State Teams

  • Coached Western Australia U20 Men’s Team

  • Worked with the Bruton Basketball Foundation (BBF) to deliver coaching, scouting, and pathway development programs across Australia

Coaching Philosophy

Elliott’s coaching philosophy is built on the belief that basketball should be fun, inclusive, and focused on growth. He emphasizes that effort equals reward — “the work you put in is what you get out of it.” Elliott encourages a team culture grounded in feedback, discipline, respect, and accountability. He believes true success is achieved through consistent small steps rather than shortcuts, and he strives to inspire players to dream big, work hard, and take meaningful action toward greatness.

Coach Elliott approaches player development with a strong focus on both basketball skills and personal growth. He teaches the fundamentals of the game while instilling values such as teamwork, respect, wellbeing, and a positive attitude toward life. Elliott encourages players to embrace feedback, understanding that coaching comes from a belief in their potential. He emphasizes discipline, respect, and accountability as essential traits for success on and off the court, while promoting leadership, responsibility, and the importance of owning mistakes. Believing that success is achieved through consistent small steps rather than shortcuts, he reinforces the philosophy that effort equals reward — “the work you put in is what you get out of it.” Elliott strives to create a fun, inclusive, and growth-focused environment where players develop lifelong friendships and learn valuable life lessons through sport, inspiring them to dream big, work hard, and take every step toward greatness.

 

Coach Jane Lynch - Director of Football (Soccer)

Coach Jane is across two roles at Chatham High School, splitting time as our TAP Football coach and as a student Support Officer in our wellbeing team.

Jane brings extensive experience across many levels of Football coaching, from elite representative pathways to grassroots skill development.

Jane also has extensive knowledge, skills and accreditation in Surf Life Saving & Athletics.

Qualifications & Experience:

- Football Australia/ AFC “B” Diploma in Football Coaching

- Coach in NNSW Talent Support Program (TSP) 2023-2025

- Assistant Coach for NNSW Football at Emerging Matilda’s/National Championships in 2019 & 2023.

- Coach in NNSW Football Premier Youth League & National Women’s Premier League from 2017-2025.

- Premiership winning coach of Mid Coast FC Under 17’s in 2024.

- 20 Years plus coaching experience in both senior & Junior Football at representative level and grassroots.

- Coach at National Club Futsal Championship 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2025.

- Advanced Emergency Care & First Aid qualifications with Surf Life Saving Australia.

- Bronze Medallion trainer with Surf Life Saving

- Silver Medallion holder- Surf Life Saving.

- Life Member of Old Bar Barbarians Football Club & Taree Old Bar Surf Life Saving Club.

- Level 1 Sports Trainer.

Memorable Coaching Experience & Coaching Philosophy:

I have coached many years and have taken something out of every experience, from the very first team I coached back in 2003 to today. I am constantly seeking out opportunities to learn and grow, completing my B License as part of Football NSW First ever Female Only B License course over 2023 & 2024.

In 2023 I coached a team who had to play in the top competition in Northern NNSW football for 17-year-olds when most of the team was 14/15. We lost all but one game all year. The next year, that same team won the grand final. I firmly believe that the losses of the previous year made us grow as players and people & without these losses the team would not have been as successful. As a coach, I was as proud of the players who stood resilient, week after week as a team losing each match, as I was the team who won the competition.

Great players never take a win for granted, always do the hard work and above all are a team. My job as a coach is to find the way that Individuals learn & grow and help them identify and achieve their goals.