Some of the comments from the teachers' evaluation forms were -
"Excellent course"
"An excellent course tutor"
"The course was well organised, interesting, fun and educational"

"Ian has worked with pupils in years 9, 10 and 11 in our school. He is a thoroughly dedicated coach who always puts the needs of the students first. Ian ran a seven session course for my year 11 G.C.S.E. PE examination course going into great depth both with individual skill work and covering team tactics, plays and various forms of defensive play and attacking play. Not only did the students gain a greater insight into the game but improved their own individual skills and achieved higher assessment grades because of it.

I have seldom come across such a hard working, dedicated and knowledgeable coach who installs all the correct virtues of hard work, effort, perseverance, tolerance and ability to work with each other in an enjoyable and safe environment."

"I was impressed by Ian's professionalism and by the sympathetic yet firm way in which he taught our year 10 pupils. They very quickly warmed to his enthusiasm and interest in the sport and were motivated by his well planned and organised teaching methods. Ian displays a friendly and approachable manner and quickly gains the confidence and respect of both pupils and staff."

"Ian coached our Year 11 pupils on a weekly basis for two six week courses. He impressed both staff and pupils with his enthusiasm and commitment to the game of Basketball, all who came in to contact with him could not fail to be influenced by his genuine love for the game."

"Ian has a great depth of knowledge regarding the subject (Basketball) and he can adjust his style of delivery and presentation of his material, depending upon his audience/pupils. Mr. Richards has commited a lot of time to both, his development as a coach and to the development of the boys and girls under his charge."

"I have known Ian since 1995, when I had the pleasure to coach his son, Daniel, as a member of the England Cadet Men Squad. Ian had been a huge factor in his son's progress with an emphasis on teaching thoroughly the fundamentals of the game. His expertise in this area was outstanding and because of this I invited him to coach at several National team camps. The excellent level of organisation of his practices and the depth of understanding of the content was evident to all and he clearly helped the whole squad to improve.

I have maintained both a working and social contact with Ian and continue to be impressed with his desire to extend his coaching expertise for the benefit of young players. Ian has been a full time coach for many years and has been the major influence in developing a large number of talented and skillful players in the Nottingham area."

"Please allow me a brief moment to express my thanks for all your help at last weeks' Teamsports Basketball Camp.

We were extremely delighted with the overall performance of the camp and we recognise your significant contribution in making it a success as well as one of the fastest growing camps in the UK."

"Just a note to thank you for an enjoyable and informative visit to the Mansfield Midnight Basketball project.

Funding applications and reports, however articulate, cannot convey the energy and enthusiasm of the young people we met. Thank you for your time; I hope Midnight Basketball goes from strength to strength.

"Congratulations on being named "Mansfield Coach of the Year" and for the team "Special Achievement" award.

You have brought an enormous amount of credit to Mansfield District through your coaching work and the awards were greatly deserved.

Thank you once again for the excellent work you are doing for Nottinghamshire County Council."

"The strength of any camp lies in the strength of it's teachers of the game and their enthusiasm for the great sport of basketball. You certainly brought Teamsports quality and professional in both cases and both John Timms and I look forward to working with you next summer."