Huddersfield YMCA recently appointed two new coaches to spearhead their first team. Chairman Damon Scholes is really excited about what the dynamic duo of Joe Ford and James Tindal can achieve at the club.

The club appointed Tindal and Ford as joint head coaches. Both are extremely passionate about where the club can go. 

On the YM website Scholes said in a statement: “Having Tinny (James Tindal) who has been outstanding since he took over as interim coach, and Joe as joint head coaches is a fantastic opportunity for the club and will enhance the development of all the players. 

“I believe that both will work in tandem to develop a structure that will take the club to the next level, from senior men’s and women’s to our outstanding juniors within the club. 

“The opportunity to develop their skills with a championship grade coach will be second to none in the area. I believe all coaches within the club learn and develop their personal skills that will only enhance Huddersfield YM for the next five years.”

Speaking exclusively to Huddersfield Hub, Scholes added: “When Jamie Bloom stepped down as coach at the back end of last year, James Tindal stepped up to take over. I have got to say he surprised me, his coaching methods are very good, and he still has a lot to learn. 

“Joe Ford came on board after doing some work with our juniors on a Saturday morning. I approached Joe about becoming our backs coach, but when I met up with Joe just before lockdown it became apparent he wanted more than that. 

“Even though he is a full time professional coach at Doncaster Knights, we have worked out a system where he’ll always be there at training and when the Knights aren’t playing.”

Ford, a former Yorkshire Carnegie, Northampton Saints, Sale Sharks and Leicester Tigers player, he has played at the very highest level of the sport. Joe decided to go into coaching in 2019 with Yorkshire Carnegie, he will now concentrate his efforts in achieving things at the Huddersfield based club. 

On joining YMCA, Ford said: “Prior to lockdown I was fortunate enough to be invited down to do a few sessions for the junior section. Seeing this first hand and then meeting with Damon I was really impressed with the set up and the way the club want to go forward.

“I’m looking forward to passing on any knowledge I can and to build on this once these difficult times pass. When pre-season arrives, we will prepare to entertain with our rugby at weekends, training and playing at all levels of intensity that will make us very tough to beat.”

Ford’s partner as head coach James Tindal has been around the Huddersfield YM set up all his career and can’t wait to carry on the good work he started. 

On his appointment he said: “When Damon told me Joe was on board, I was incredibly excited and grateful for the opportunity to get to work with, and be coached by, him. 

“This is a huge announcement for the club and we can now work towards playing in the league we know we can. Having Joe around will definitely bring the buzz back to the club after a tough 18 months. 

“I am Looking forward to getting to work closely with him, not only for the senior teams but also how together we can help with the juniors section too. This is a huge moment for the club.”