Tributes to Rick have been posted online following the news and can be read on the Basketball England website: 

A true guardian of the game who drove opportunities for young people in basketball - particularly in the South West - Wooldridge coached international teams for 25 years across several age groups, starting in 1976 as assistant coach to the England under-17s men.

In his tenure, as assistant or head coach, he supported English and GB squads in 218 games, winning over 50% of contests. Achievements include several Home Countries Championships, taking an England squad to a first-ever European final and winning an under-18s invitational tournament in Manchester against Luxembourg in 2010, alongside BE’s Head of Talent and Development Steve Bucknall.

After completing his teacher training at Loughborough University and taking up a post at Churston Ferres Grammar School, where he taught for 50 years, Wooldridge, born in 1945, formed the Torbay Tigers Basketball Club with Norman Waldron in 1973 and helped them to win two national championships.

So immeasurable is Wooldridge’s contribution to the development of basketball in the UK, he influenced several players who went on to have professional and international careers, such as NBA All-Star Luol Deng and former LA Lakers player Bucknall.

A generous man and dedicated coach, he will be remembered fondly by those who knew him. Rick was head coach of the Taunton Tigers Men’s NBL team in 1998/1999 and 1999/2000 and the team enjoyed great success under his leadership.

He coached the team to second place in National Basketball League Division 2 1998/99 and gained promotion to Division 1 the following season. After finishing runners up in the league in 99 Rick coached the team to victory at the Championship Final at Guildford Spectrum (24/04/99) in memorable style, defeating Birmingham Bullets, 92 – 77.

Rick had to step down as coach during the 1999/2000 season due to health reasons but during his time at Taunton Tigers helped raise the profile of the club significantly with his professionalism and humour.

Players from that time will recall the dedication and effort he put into the team, including providing bound team manuals at the start of each season, personalised for each player. The manuals included detailed descriptions and diagrams of offensive, defensive and out of bounds plays as well as drills and fitness expectations he had for players to undertake outside of training, always wanting to make the most out of the 2 short training hours per week available to him.

Rick showed tremendous support and kindness to countless young players at that time and throughout his coaching career. Thank you, Rick, for your dedication and passion to Basketball in the UK.

Thoughts and condolences of everyone at Somerset Basketball are with wife Maria, family and friends at this time.