Derby Trailblazers Basketball Club
CLUB CHAIRMAN – 2025/26 SEASON
Chairman Dave Woodyatt has a wealth of experience and is fully committed to both the game and the club. Already invested in the club, both financally and as a proud parent, Dave is wholeheartedly commited to developing and progressing Derby Trailblazers.
DERBY TRAILBLAZERS COMMITTEE
VICE CHAIRMAN – VACANCY
ACTING SECRETARY – Maria Brown
TREASURER – Debra Woodyatt
COACHING CO-ORDINATOR – Matt Shaw
FIXTURES C0-ORDINATOR – CJ Marriott
WEBSITE & SOCIAL MEDIA – Frankie O’Reilly
SPONSORSHIP & FUNDRAISING – VACANCY
PUBLICITY – Nigel Cash
MEDICAL CO-ORDINATOR – Jill Kent
SAFEGUARDING & COMPLIANCE – Bethany Wheldon & CJ Marriott – DTBSafeguarding@gmail.com
COMMITTEE SECRETARY – Martin Shaw
MEET THE DERBY TRAILBLAZERS TRUSTEES
DAVID WOODYATT – CHAIRMAN
Hi everyone, I’m David. I was introduced to the BLAZERS when my youngest son started coming along to Mini’s in the old NB sports hall, which is now coming up to 16 years ago!
Over the years, I have become more involved in the running of the Club. I try to use the same commercial approach to the club as I do in my business. I am passionate about both, and it seems to work. I strongly want to achieve my vision for the club to have its own venue that the BLAZERS can call home – all of the players, past and present, the fans, volunteers, all deserve to see the name over the door.
DEBRA WOODYATT – TREASURER
Hi everyone, I’m Debra, my son Charlie got us involved in the Club, he played for his school against Charnwood one October evening, on the way home, he said he wanted to play more basketball and improve. I went online and we found The Blazers. We were welcomed by CJ and Clarence, and to this day, I still love watching the games and training. I love to see young people learning skills and being able to bring those skills to a game. I am always delighted to see our junior players develop, gain confidence and play the game… it makes it all worthwhile.
I truly believe that our club deserves a home in Derby and I would like nothing better than to see it happen.
CJ MARRIOTT
Hi everyone, I’m CJ. I have been involved with the club since before our junior players chose the name ‘Trailblazers’.
I played for John Rennie High School, Vanier College, Concordia University, Nottingham Wildcats, England, Derby Storm Ladies, Derby Trailblazers and Wheelblazers. I have played for some excellent coaches including our beloved Clarence Wiggins.
I am one of the coaches for the Blazers Minis, U12s, and U14s. I coordinate the fixtures for the junior National League teams and generally try to support our coaches and other volunteers.
MARTIN SHAW
Hi, I am Martin Shaw, one of the four initial Trustees of the Charitable Incorporated Organisation called Derby Trailblazers basketball Club.
I have been associated with running basketball clubs and leagues since the early 1970s ranging from local leagues to BBL clubs, even playing in some of these! It has always been fun and satisfying, and that continues to this day. The Trailblazers is a truly magnificent organisation with the breadth and depth of the many teams. My wish is that this should continue to develop over the coming years.
BETHANY WHELDON
Hi, I’m Bethany. I have been involved in basketball for nearly 30 years. Starting off as a player in Nottingham and progressing to become a table official. With officiating I have worked my way up to the highest level with a FIBA qualification whilst having the opportunity to officiate at the London 2012 Paralympics.
I have been involved with officiating at Derby for many years, however, more recently I have come to officiate and appoint officials whilst playing with the women’s team. With my knowledge of basketball I have taken on being an assistant coach for the women and now the junior women’s programme.
FRANKIE O’REILLY
Hi everyone, I’m Frankie and you will likely have heard me with my drum at our Division One games supporting our guys!
I’ve been following local basketball since I was a young lad from way back in the Derby Storm era. I can recall some truly special memories of my childhood being at the games, and was fortunate enough to be taught by the late great Mr Clarence Wiggins.
I now volunteer here at Derby Trailblazers basketball club, and manage our website and social media platforms. I fully intend to continue to work hard and help see our great club thrive and succeed both on and off the court.
LET’S GO BLAZERS!
JOHN MARVILL
Hi I’m John, I grew up in a Basketball family in Derby, having followed the Rams and Bucks as a kid. As a junior I was part of the Derby Storm organization. I played for Blazers regularly during the 00s. Including representing the club on court during our inaugural season. Before then taking a few seasons away from Basketball.
I then returned to the club to take up a coaching role around 10 years ago, thinking I was just going to ‘help out for a bit’. Approximately 10 years later I have coached across pretty much all junior age groups on both the male and female side of the program.
JIM NORMAN
Hi everyone, I’m Jim, I’ve been a basketball Dad at the Trailblazers for the last 7 years when my son started as a mini. He’s now playing U18’s, EABL and has had wonderful experiences playing at international level.
My daughter has just started her basketball journey. I’m really keen that every Trailblazers player is made aware of the opportunities that the sport offers and given the support that they need in achieving their goals.
RICHARD TAYLOR
Hi everyone, I’m Richard and along with my family I’ve been supporting the club since 2019. Since then, my eldest daughter has progressed through the club’s junior system into the U18 women’s team, and my son now plays local league basketball.
I come from a finance background and proudly look forward to helping this amazing charity and basketball club grow to the next level.
POLICY DOCUMENTS
CLUB CONSTITUTION
PRIVACY POLICY
CODE OF CONDUCT
HARDSHIP POLICY
