Celebrating Mat Parker’s 17 years of service to the School

The Old Tonbridgian members of the School’s Basketball club spanning the years 2008 – 2024, came together to celebrate the coaching career of Mat Parker, the School’s Commercial and Operations Director. Mat will retire from Tonbridge at the end of this academic year after 17 years of service.

Previously a basketballer himself, Mat arrived at the School in 2008 as the first Manager of the not-yet-open Tonbridge School Centre and immediately began offering above and beyond to the co-curricular life at the School as a basketball coach. During his tenure, the club has grown in size and achieved notable successes, including back-to-back undefeated seasons and two overseas tours.

Saturday’s triangular tournament, saw two teams of Old Tonbridgians representing the years 2008 – 2018 and 2019 – 2024 face off against the School’s 1st team, resulting in the 2019 – 2024 team claiming victory.

Stefan Hargreaves, Housemaster of Manor House, said, “It’s been brilliant working with Mat in the Basketball club during my 15 years at the School, in which time he has selflessly given thousands of hours so that our boys can excel at the sport they love. Although Mat leaves the club in a great place, it will be a sadder place without him. It was humbling to see so many Old Tonbridgians eager to return to Tonbridge to pay tribute to Mat and to give him the send off he undoubtedly deserves.”

Mat is moving to Cardiff with his wife, Soozi, after this Skinners’ Day in July and all at the School wish him well for his future endeavours.