How will the coaches be selected?
Drawing from the insights gathered in our market research, combined with our team’s input and the unique expertise our coaches are known for in the community.
Who are the coaches, and what top-tier qualifications and experience do they bring to the game?
RASMUS YDER (from Denmark)
Rasmus has worn every hat on the Danish national team, mastering each role with unmatched dedication.
His journey began on the court in 2008 at his first major international tournament in Belgium, where he made his mark as a player. Over the years, he transitioned seamlessly from player to leader, taking on a brief stint as team manager before stepping into the spotlight as head coach.
In 2022, he guided the Danes to ultimate glory with a World Championship win, cementing his legacy. And as if that wasn’t enough, he returned in 2024 as assistant coach to secure a hard-fought bronze medal on home soil.
Battle-tested and brimming with experience, Rasmus knows the game like no other. He wasn’t just part of Denmark’s success—he drove it, proving himself as the mastermind behind their championship triumph.
KAMAL TAHTAHI (from The Netherlands)
Kamal’s hockey résumé reads like a trophy cabinet: 4 European Championships (all wins) and 2 World Championships (also wins)—a spotless record at 4 appearances each! Oh, and did we mention he’s been a certified classifier since 2019?
But Kamal’s story goes far beyond trophies. In 1997, he helped establish the Dutch national team, and by 1998, he was showcasing his skills at an unofficial World Championship during the Utrecht field hockey World Cup. He shined on the global stage, earning MVP and Top Scorer honors at the 2004 World Championship in Finland and the European Championship in Rome.
Far from slowing down, Kamal still competes in the highest Dutch league with De Pont, where he also coaches alongside Maud. And he’s taken his talent abroad, now in his third season with the Udine Madracs in Italy. As Kamal says: “Footballers might go to the Middle East for their golden years, but I’ve got Italy—and it’s been an amazing experience!”
MAUD REUSKEN (from The Netherlands)
If hockey had superheroes, Maud would be the T-stick queen! With 4 European Championship wins (4 played) and 1 World Championship win (out of 3 played), she’s no stranger to the podium. And in 2016, she cemented her legacy, earning the title of Best T-Sticker at the European Championships in the Netherlands.
Her nickname, “Bulldozer,” comes with a memorable story. During the 2005 European Championships in Rome, Maud—just a rookie at the time—*accidentally* collided with the biggest and most experienced Finnish player on the field. She’s quick to clarify, “It was absolutely an accident!”
But Maud’s career isn’t just about accolades. She made history at the 2018 World Championship in Italy, becoming the first player to hit that stage in a Warrior chair, which was made possible by the great service of Paul Commandeur.
These days, Maud focuses her energy on shaping the next generation of players. She coaches the T-stickers at De Pont, where she shares the sideline with Kamal, proving that their teamwork extends far beyond the Dutch national team.
RICO ROMANO (from Switzerland)
We’re thrilled to introduce our 4th and final coach, Rico Romano! Rico has been a key figure at Iron Cats Zürich, starting his coaching journey with their third team. Through dedication and hard work, he rose to coach the Iron Cats’ first team, a role he’s excelled in for nearly a decade. For the past two years, Rico has also taken the reins as head coach of the Swiss national team, bringing his expertise to the international stage.
Before stepping into coaching, Rico played floorball—but as he puts it, “It wasn’t exactly a success,” so he hung up his stick about 10 years ago. Instead, he found his passion for coaching powerchair hockey and hasn’t looked back since!
What sets Rico apart is his hands-on approach—literally. During training sessions with both the Iron Cats and the Swiss national team, Rico takes a seat in a powerchair. By immersing himself in the game, he gains a deeper understanding of how it feels for his athletes, helping him coach with more insight and empathy.
And at our camp? Rico isn’t just coming as a coach; he’ll also be joining as our 26th player! This unique perspective makes him an incredible addition to our coaching dream team.
