The Juniors are the brainchild of husband and wife team, Adam Maddock and Jordane Edwards-Maddock. After identifying the lack of basketball available to children in the local area, Adam decided to qualify as a coach having experienced himself, the positive benefits that basketball can have on both the mind and body.
Supported by the senior Stamford Knights team, the first session in April 2019 was attended by 10 children between the ages of 8-12 in a one hour slot.
The Club has now expanded and opened their own half court/3×3 basketball training facility. This has enabled the team to offer coaching opportunities to more children and more frequently. The facility is also available for private use.
Coaching team
Adam Maddock
Adam has always had an interest in fitness, he played basketball whilst at secondary school. In 2015, Adam was invited by an old school friend to a pick-up session and that rekindled his enjoyment – he realised just how much he had missed the sport. He undertook his level 2 coaching qualification through Basketball England (via Enrique Alonso at Bedford Thunder) in February 2019 and is constantly looking to further develop his knowledge of basketball, to be able to provide children with the best opportunities to progress. When he is not coaching he enjoys playing for the Stamford Knights Senior team. When his schedule allows Adam likes to spend a Sunday at Bedford Thunder with Enrique, watching how he coaches his sessions.
Jordane Edwards-Maddock
Sometimes referred to as ‘the driving force’ Jordane handles all of the admin and organisation for the club. You will usually find her on the side lines offering support to the coaches, checking in the children and communicating with parents. Jordane is also a qualified level 1 table official and level 1 Coach.
Chris Evans
Chris has played basketball since secondary school representing Wales in u15, U16 and u21 age groups and has played in senior men’s leagues in Wales and England. Since qualifying as a Basketball England level 2 coach in 2016 he has worked with players from grass roots to u18 and coached teams in the East Midlands National League for 3 years. You will find Chris focusing on player skills and drilling teams in a fun and competitive way. He believes the strongest teams are those that do the basics brilliantly and have a respectful and supportive structure at their heart. ‘I love the game and I want to help our players develop great fundamental skills from which they can achieve their basketball dreams and have a lot of fun. Stamford Knights Basketball Club provides a fantastic platform for this, and I am excited to be working with them and all the great players who attend our sessions.’
Emilie Devereux
Emilie is an Alumni Basketball Athlete who played for Concordia University, Canada. Emilie has over 12 years’ experience coaching young girls and supporting in intensive basketball clinics and camps for athletes of all ages and abilities. Having been a part of a strong basketball community in her home country, Emilie is passionate about creating a rich basketball community in Lincolnshire and surrounding areas. As a high-spirited young coach, she enjoys bringing her unique coaching style to each session to build talent and confidence in her players. She is very vocal and there is no doubt that you will be able to hear her before you see her!
Chris Stubbs
Chris has played basketball since she was a teenager and is currently a Level 1 coach. Chris is the complete basketball player and competes on every possession with high I.Q and fantastic fundamental technique making her everyone’s favourite team mate.
Stefán Thor Smith
Stefán started playing basketball as a teenager on street courts in Reykjavik. He went on to play (for a short while) at University. After many years away from the sport, it was his youngest daughter joining SJK that reminded him of the enjoyment for the game. As a level 1 coach, Stefan supports the level 2 coaches to run their sessions.
Paul England
‘I’m a proud dad of four and a passionate believer in the power of sport to shape young people’s lives.
Alongside coaching basketball at Stamford Junior Knights, I also coach the U14’s boys at Peterborough Rugby Club. Across both sports, my philosophy remains the same: helping young people develop not just as athletes, but as individulas.
My love for basketball began growing up, spending countless hours playing in the street at my best friend’s house. As life moved on, other interests took over during my teenage years and the game took a back seat, It wasn’t until my son, Ollie, developed an interest in basketball four years ago that I rediscovered my passion for sport. That journey led us to Stamford Junior Knights and I’ve been part of the club ever since.
I firmly believe that sport teaches some of life’s most important lessons: resilience, perseverance, hard work, dedication, teamwork, and respect. As a coach, I encourage players to make mistakes, because that’s where the greatest learning happens. Creating an environment where young athletes feel confident to try, fail, learn, and improve incredibly important to me.
What I love most about Stamford Junior Knights is its ethos. The club puts community and a love of the game first, with competition second. That approach creates a positive environment where players can develop their skills, build confidence, make friends, and enjoy their basketball journey.’
Mark Johnstone
Mark, also a qualified basketball coach, manages the Senior Knights team. The Juniors and Seniors have a strong and solid relationship and support each other where possible. For enquiries about the senior team, email Stamfordbasketball@gmail.com