Leicester Hockey Club is now based at Leicester Grammar
We have moved into some of the best hockey facilities in the UK. We have a Club First accredited structure to support the five men’s teams, the vets and the junior provision from u9 upwards. All the training times and match times for each group are now in place:
- Tues evening 7.30-9.30 for 1s and 2s;
- Tues evening 7.30-9.00 for 3s, 4s and 5s;
- Tues evening 6-7.30 for u13s, u14s and y15s (starts Sept 9);
- Thurs after school 4.00-5.30 u9s and u11s (start Sept);
- Thurs evenings County core skills training for invited juniors (Oct);
- Sunday 10-12 junior training (Sundays start Sept 14) u9s-u18s + County.
- Vets first match Oct 12 we have a bye.
Chris Johnson Hockey Festival
We partnered the students in a social festival with which to remember Chris Johnson. This event was a success and will be repeated next year. Thankyou to all those who participated on the day and kept me posted about their availability.
Coaching
I am very keen to increase our coaching resource as a club because this will allow us to capitilise on our facilities and distinguish our hockey provision. Phill Yetzes, the Hockey Development Officer for Leics, Derbs, Notts and Staffs is now coaching the men’s teams at the club. Nishel Kumar, a recent Malaysian international, is helping with the juniors. In addition, there will be a Level 1 course running Sept 21, 28 and Oct 12 – current attendees Binder, Nishel, Dave S, Dave T, George, Mark D, Josh, Dale, Martyn. Please bring your CRB documentation to training next Tues for Matt K to sign. One or two others expressed an interest – remind me if this remains the situation.
Umpiring
The next Level 1 course is at Loughborough University on Oct 12 (10-4).
Current and prospective players
The fixtures are now available for next season, all 1s and 2s home matches will be on water (as will most of the home 3s matches). The men’s teams returned to training this week (55 attendees). The default assumption is that you will attend training – in the unlikely event you are unavailable can you let me know. The 1s and 2s candidates will train on the water next week. The remaining players will play matches on the other pitch which is one of the reasons it helps to know exactly who is attending.
- Sept 13 – all teams in a tournament at the new site;
- Sept 27 – Matt K will captain a squad at the County tournament.
- Sept 28 – matches against De Montfort.
- Oct 4 – first league fixtures.
Summer League
The summer league helped with the development of the teams at the top of the club and therefore was a success. The players from the lower end of the club did not get as much hockey as they would have wanted. We shall review our summer plans next season to address this issue.
Selection Guidelines
Everyone joins on the basis that they play in the side and position requested. Training is essential for the higher teams. We will aim for small squads and try to avoid u18s starting as substitutes.
Junior members, parents and prospective junior members
The aim of the junior coaching is to develop the senior players of the future. We provide regular coaching for all age groups by experienced coaches.
Many players at the club receive invites to guest for other clubs, please note that by attending leicester training we expect priority if we require you for a tournament.
Next tournaments involving all junior sides- Oct 5 at Leicester Grammar (South Leicester tournament) and Nov 9 (Leicester Hockey Club v Loughborough).
The dates for county trials are now available. Leicester Hockey Club are also in a position to place secondary boys of an appropriate standard at representative ‘core skills’ training run by the County on a Thurs evening. Email me for more details (there is a charge to each player for the coaching).
Would you like to play in the National u18 cup team on Oct 5 at home? Leicester Hockey Club have a good pool of talented young players – email me about your availability and include your date of birth.
Sponsorship
We already have a number of sponsors interested in funding the club. It would also be appropriate to relaunch the 200 club. I am still considering approaching an individual to manage this area but a volunteer would be preferable. Any vets who wish to see the new facilties are welcome on Tues evenings – let me know and i will try to arrange a cup of tea!
Membership and shirt numbers
Nigel Comley, Membership Officer, has begun collecting fees this month. It would be helpful if you could confirm to him your shirt number (or numbers) with your membership form and subscription.
Commitee
I suggest we meet at 7.30 next Thurs, Sept 11, in the Pavilion at Leicester Grammar School. Please confirm your availability and any items you wish to add to the agenda.
