John Russell has been named as netminder coach for Great Britain Under-16 Women.

The 37-year-old was goalie coach for SNL side North Ayrshire Wild last season, which involved coaching netminders from aged 10 upwards.

Russell has also spent the past two years coaching netminders in the Scotland National Conference set-up.

“I’m honoured and proud to take up the position of netminder coach in the Great Britain set-up. I’ve been working closely with the goalies in Scotland and am keen to combine this role, along with helping GB,” said Russell.

“I’m excited and can’t wait to get started. I see this is a great opportunity and I’d like to thank Tony Hand and the board for appointing me to this position.

“This role should also help me progress as a goalie coach as well as further my experiences – and it will be good to work alongside Dave Clancy in the GB programme whilst shaping future netminders.”

David Hand, head of the GB Programme Board, said: “We have a great set of netminder coaches within the GB programme and John will no doubt add to this.

“The development of our netminders at a young age is very important and that’s why it’s crucial to have specific coaches at this age group.

“The under-16 programme is vital for player development and we believe we have a great coaching staff to take the team forward.”