The 2010/11 junior coaching season ended last Sunday 3^rd July with a fun day for more than 40 of the club’s children aged 12 and under. The youngsters were divided into six teams which competed in several skills contests. All present enjoyed the day which was rounded off with a presentation of medals to all the participating players. Special awards were presented to selected individuals by Mr Pukhraj Singh Babra of Leicester Motor Company (our sponsor).

Goalkeeping Awards

• Catherine Toolan (U12 Girls)
• Ketan Deogan (U12 Boys)
• Yuvraj Singh Bhuhi (U9 & U10 Boys)
• Amar Chudasama (U12 Boys)
• Isaac Garner (U12 Boys)
• Ethan Smith (U11 & U12 Boys)
• Sam Standish (U10 & U11 Boys)

Special Achievement for dedication to the junior coaching programme

• Kathryn York

Most Improved Player of the Year

• U8 Girls: Hephzibah Smalley-Kaspruk
• U8 Boys: Tom Moorhouse
• U10 Girls: Rosalind Rashid
• U10 Boys: Robbie Spencer
• U12 Girls: Amalia Gane
• U12 Boys: Ben Newcombe

The Under 12 boys team travelled to Lutterworth for a fun day of hockey. Having a large squad meant a lot of rotation of players with the emphasis on pitch time rather than results. They boys finished third on goal difference in the seven team tournament.

Although the team started slowly and got stronger as the day went on, the results exaggerated this as the stronger opposition was in the earlier games. Starting with a flat 0-1 defeat in the opening match against eventual winners Belper, the boys won the second match with goals from captain Ben Newcombe and Ben Jefferson.

The best match of the day was the next one against Burton I. An even contest was won by Burton as they took their chances whereas Leicester missed theirs. The Burton goalkeeper was in good form making three excellent saves. Two further missed golden opportunities to score meant another loss for the team. There were also a couple of good saves from Leicester’s goalkeeper Ketan Deogan when it looked likely that Burton would score.

Comfortable leads over weaker opposition in the following matches allowed rare outfield cameo performances for 7-year-old Yuvraj Bhuhi who, on three occasions, came close to scoring to cap his big day. There were improved performances from all the players as Joel Holzer found form with four goals and Rohan Bhuhi also chipped in with the same tally.

Once again, Senna Patel was typically hard-working in defence and Ethan Smith, Aneesh Deogan and late addition, Sam Moorhouse got opportunities to try out new positions on the pitch. Aaron Patel linked up well in several sweeping one-touch moves and capped his improving performance by finishing off an excellent sequence of passes.

Squad: Ketan Deogan (GK), Aneesh Deogan, Senna Patel, Ethan Smith, Ben Newcombe (C), Joel Holzer, Ben Jefferson, Aaron Patel, Yuvraj Bhuhi, Rohan Bhuhi, Sam Moorhouse.

The U12 boys travelled to Milton Keynes to take part in a 7 team round robin mini-hockey tournament. The club fielded one full side and provided 4 players, including 9-year-old Sam Standish, to a scratch team, playing as the ‘Midlands Marauders’, which combined players from Northampton and Milton Keynes.

Under glorious sunny conditions the Leicester boys played some exceptional hockey to top the league table and win the tournament.

A hat-trick apiece from Aaron Patel and Rohan Bhuhi got the day started and this was followed by a 3-0 win in which the goals were shared between Ruben Smalley-Kaspruk, Sam Moorhouse and Rohan Bhuhi.

In their final match, the Marauders drew 1-1 with Tring whilst Leicester were engaged in a top-of-the-table clash against a strong Aylesbury I team to decide the tournament winner. Leicester fell a goal behind to a penalty corner strike early in the game. However, the boys dug deep and produced their best hockey of the day to claim a 3-1 comeback victory with Rohan Bhuhi scoring all the Leicester goals.

Once again, all the boys were a credit to themselves and the club. They set the tournament alight with some brilliant hockey to win this seven team contest. They made many new friends and admirers today, and this includes the boys in both the teams. 

The teams

LHC Team: Amar Chudasama, Isaac Garner (C), Daniel Wolloff, Rohan Bhuhi, Aaron Patel, Sam Moorhouse, Ruben Smalley-Kaspruk, Saajan Patel

LHC Players in Marauders Team: Ketan Deogan (GK), Aneesh Deogan, Sam Standish, Ethan Smith.

Leicester HC Results

Midlands Marauders Results

Qualifying as winners of their respective Leicestershire age-group categories, Leicester’s youngsters flew the flag for the county at the Midlands round of the U10 and U12 mini-hockey tournament. In addition to the club’s own U10 boys, U12 girls and U12 boys teams, children from the club’s coaching programme represented South Leicester U12 boys.

All our teams fielded several players much younger than the age category they were playing in. The U12 girls came up with strong opposition and had to fight hard to remain competitive. However, both the U10 and U12 boys teams reached the semi-finals of their competitions. What makes their achievements even more encouraging for the future is that many of them have not just one but two more years at this level.

Boys U12

Lacking any real competitive hockey over the season, the U12 boys team went to Cannock not knowing what to expect. There were many big name clubs in the event but this was to be the first measure of the progress the boys have made at the club’s growing school of hockey.

The competition format was two pools of seven teams with the top two qualifying through to the semi-finals. With each game being of 12 minutes duration, this was a lot of hockey for such young legs.

The day got off to a solid start with a 2-0 victory over Worcester with goals from the ever-energetic Ben Jefferson and captain for the day Rohan Bhuhi. In the next game, Sutton Coldfield were swept aside by the same two goalscorers, Ben J going one better with a brace of goals on this occasion. There were exceptional performances all over the pitch with Isaac Garner growing solidly into an assured presence on the right side of the defence and Ben Newcombe showing game-intelligence well beyond his age. Whilst, as planned, most of the destructive force was down the right flank there were skilful options too along the left side through Sam Moorhouse and Aneesh Deogan in an attacking sense and left-back Daniel Wolloff patrolling the defensive zone. 

The third match was another fluent display against a strong West Bridford side in which the live-wire goalkeeping of Amar Chudasama was called into action. Once again, goals from Ben J and Rohan made it three wins out of three matches with a 2-0 scoreline.

The 100% start continued with a comfortable 5-0 win against South Leicester with goals from Sam Moorhouse, Rohan and a hat-trick from Aneesh.

Against Lichfield in the fifth game, Leicester went a goal down and, for the first time, had to play hard to get back into the game. The inevitable equaliser did eventually come  through Ben J and, in the end, the boys were unlucky not to have clinched a late winner when Rohan fired a high reverse stick shot wide after  beating a couple of defenders.

As the competition entered the later stages, the young legs began to tire and were punished by a strong Belper team who won comfortably by a 3-0 margin which could have been worse had it not been for a combination of some desperate last ditch defending and alert goalkeeping from Amar. Daniel produced his best performance of the day in this game as Belper attacked down their right wing.

Having lost the last match of the pool stage, it was the result of Belper’s match against West Bridgford which booked our passage into a semi-final meeting against the favourites Beeston.

The semi-final got off to a bright start but with the match still goalless Leicester lost the influential Rohan to an injury. This meant a reshuffle to the formation that had worked well up to this point. Ben J took over in right midfield and went on to have a great game in an unaccustomed position and Aneesh became a lone forward. Beeston’s physical superiority came more to the fore as they controlled the game against weary opposition for a 2-0 win.

Even having just missed out on qualification to the national round, the boys were beaming at the end with their overall performances. They were never out of their depth and their best hockey was a delight to watch. Surely, they will be strong candidates for further success next year when they return with another season of development under their belts.

They came to the tournament not knowing their level and left having proved that they can compete with the best in the Midlands. They were a credit to themselves and the club. With the exception of Isaac Garner all the remaining members of this squad will still be eligible as U12s next year, when the expectation will be to go at least one step better.

Team: Amar Chudasama (GK), Isaac Garner, Daniel Wolloff, Rohan Bhuhi (C), Ben Newcombe, Sam Moorhouse, Ben Jefferson, Aneesh Deogan

Absent injured: Saajan Patel

South Leicester Boys U12

The South Leicester team was drawn in the same pool as Leicester and found the going a little tougher. There was an excellent debut goalkeeping performance from Ketan Deogan and Harminder Babra chipped in with 3 goals in the group matches. A special mention is earned by Senna Patel who remained resolute in his defending against some heavy pressure from opposition teams.

There were many positives as the team achieved a win and a draw in the pool matches but never really challenged for a semi-final berth. The most positive aspect was the experience gained and the enjoyment of competitive hockey which will be useful in the future.

Team: Ketan Deogan (GK), Senna Patel, Ethan Smith, Ruben Smalley-Kaspruk (C), Krishnan Persaud, Aaron Patel, Harminder Babra

Absent ill: Joel Holzer

Boys U10

The U10 Boys team had a slow start losing their first game 0-1 against Burton but recovered to complete the remainder of the group matches undefeated.

There were some excellent performances from all the youngsters as they stormed to a comfortable 3-0 win against Wednesbury with goals from Ethan Pittham, Tom Moorhouse and Robbie Spencer.

Their growing confidence was further boosted with a 2-2 draw against favourites Beeston. Robbie and Tom were once again on target for Leicester.

A semi-final place was secured in the final pool match with a comfortable 2-0 win against Rugby and East Warwickshire.

Unfortunately, the boys couldn’t get over their semi-final hurdle going down 2-1 in a good match. Tom Moorhouse finding the target once more to cap a great day for the whole squad.

Team: Yuvraj Bhuhi (GK), Sam Standish, George Toolan, Tom Moorhouse, Robbie Spencer, Ethan Pittham, Jaimin Metcalf. Parmveer Ragi

Girls U12

The girls team fielded players as young as seven and struggled to compete against physically stronger teams. Goalkeeper and captain Catherine Toolan was kept busy throughout the tournament and performed brilliantly.

There was a full day’s hockey playing against teams from Cannock, Newark, Worcester, Rugby, Market Drayton and Burton.

The teamed showed good spirit and played with pride and the experience will hold them in good stead for future competitions.

Team: Catherine Toolan(GK, C), Hephzibah Smalley-Kaspruk, Praveen Ragi, Isabel Glover, Sumanpreet Babra, Jaskirat Aulakh, Liberty Ferguson, Rosalind Rashid, Amalia Gane

Leicester won the Leicestershire & Rutland Hockey Association tournament on Saturday 25th September 2010, beating Coalville in the final by 1-0.

The side featured young first team newcomers Stephen, Jack, Harminder, Mithul and Scott who all impressed. They won the tournament with a 100% record.

County tournament winning team

Results

Pool matches:  (v) Melton W 2-1
                        (v) Loughborough Students W 2-0
                        (v) Coalville W 1-0

Semi-Final:      (v) Westleigh W 2-0

Final:                (v) Coalville W 1-0

With effect from August 2010 the club is offering another opportunity to its members to broaden their hockey experience by entering a team into the Leicestershire Mixed Hockey League (see www.leicesterhockey.co.uk ).

The Mixed League is celebrating 60 years in 2010 and is probably unique with Leicestershire being the only county to run 4 divisions of mixed hockey alongside the single-sex leagues.

Although some club members have turned out for a variety of mixed teams over the years, the intention was to have our own team based at LGS. However, setting-up a brand new mixed team would have meant finding half a dozen lady players and at least 3 seasons of promotion battles before we could hope to reach the first division.  Fortunately, we have managed to overcome that issue thanks to a number of our players who have recently played for Leicester Mixed Hockey Club at Oadby.  With a full complement of ladies but needing to find some additional male players, both clubs could see the logic of Leicester Mixed HC merging with us to become Leicester HC Mixed.

Leicester Mixed was formed in 1997 from the old LCC team and has remained in the 1st Division ever since; winning 3 league titles in that time; so we can only hope that this infusion of new blood will help to secure a fourth title at some point.

The Club committee is keen for members to support the mixed team and there is no reason why players should not play mixed in addition to their regular league games if they are fit enough and the relevant team captain is consulted first.  Anyone wanting to play for the mixed team, even if only on an occasional basis, should therefore check with their team captain and then register their interest by contacting Graham Wolloff g.wolloff@ukonline.co.uk or 07710 359 734.  Any club members who are already registered with a different mixed club are encouraged to consider switching to Leicester Mixed but there is no compulsion to do so.  

Please contact Neil Murray or Graham Wolloff if you have any other queries about this.

We shall be providing opportunities to play hockey for 10 weeks as follows:

• Tuesday 7.15-8.45 starting April 27th, water-based and indoor
• Thursday 6.00-8.00 starting April 29th, water-based and indoor
• Sunday 10.00-12.00 starting May 2nd, water-based, sand-based and indoor.

Participation requires that you are a current member of Leicester Hockey Club or have permission to attend as a member of the School (of appropriate age and standard). If you are not attending the School or not one of the regular 50 ‘primary attendees on Sundays’ the charge will be £3 per week irrespective of how many days in that week you attend.

The Summer Hockey Plan 2010 is directed by Neil Murray. He has played for Ireland at every age group level including the national team. His first full international match was a record 8-1 win for Ireland against Belgium. Neil has experience of playing and coaching up to a national league standard and currently plays for the Club, the Ireland Masters Team and the Midlands Masters Team.

In partnership with Leicester Grammar School, Leicester Hockey Club (Men) plan to run a 10 week Summer Term Project, beginning on April 21, which has two aims:

• to provide opportunities for boys (years 9-13 of a suitable standard) from Leicester Grammar School to play matches
• to provide opportunities for the Leicester Hockey Club members to play hockey and begin preparing the 5 Club teams for next season

Participants are invited to book with Neil Murray by email at:

murrayn@leicestergrammar.org.uk

Every Tuesday and Thursday the outdoor and indoor matches will begin at 7 (warm-up starts at 6.30). Matches will take place on the water-based pitch or in the sports hall. The new additions to the rules of hockey will apply. Each evening at least 22 players can be allocated to the outdoor matches and 18 to the indoor.

The cost per match is £5 for adults and £3 for students payable on the day. There is no charge for Leicester Grammar students although they must be of a sufficient standard to be deemed safe playing men’s hockey.

Additional coaching is available to Summer Term Project participants on Sunday mornings from 10-12 for those who wish to further improve their skills at no extra cost.

Coaching specifically for boys of school years 6-8 is available on the water-based pitch after school on a Tues from 4-5.

Leicester Hockey Club (Men) have a formal agreement with Leicester Grammar School. We have some of the best hockey facilities in the UK with the Pavilion changing rooms and catering, water-based pitch, sand-based pitch and indoor sports-hall. A ClubsFirst accredited structure supports the five senior teams, the vets and the extensive junior provision.

Leicester Hockey Club welcomes new members. This initiative will be followed by regular coaching and matches throughout the summer.

Leicester Hockey Club (Men) are now based at Leicester Grammar

We have some of the best hockey facilities in the UK with the Pavilion changing rooms and catering, water-based pitch, sand-based pitch and indoor sports-hall.  With a ClubsFirst accredited structure to support the five senior teams, the vets and the junior provision.  All the training and match times for each group next term are now in place:

• Tues after school 4.00-5.00 for year 7s and year 8s (+invited year 6s);
• Tues evening outdoor 7.30-9.30 for 1s and 2s;
• Tues evening outdoor 7.30-9.00 for 3s and 4s;
• Tues evening indoor 7.00-9.00 for invited juniors (u14-u18);
• Thurs after school indoor 5.15-6.15 for invited year 7s and year 8s;
• Thurs evenings indoor 6.30-7.30, 7.45-8.45 for selected county core skills participants;
• Sunday 10-12 indoor junior training for invited u11s and u13s;
• Sunday 10-12 outdoor junior training for u14s-u18s.

Prospective participants should book the term in advance with me.  If you simply drop in I may request you simply watch the hockey.  Email Neil Murray at murrayn@leicestergrammar.org.uk. 

Coaching

We have increased our coaching resource as a club by supporting 10 new Level 1 coaches this season.  This will allow us to distinguish our hockey provision by nominating each junior to be part of a squad with a particular coach.  Coaches can now expect some funding from the club.  We have a number of target tournaments in mind.

Junior members, parents and prospective junior members

The aim of the junior coaching is to develop the senior players of the future.  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.  There is a membership form and appropriate fee for each squad.

Five Mens League Teams

The current strategy is for 2 flagship teams to have 3 supporting squads each with a mix of experience and youth.  A number of our teams are near or at the top of their leagues.  We continue to expect players to support the club by playing where requested.

Umpiring

Next term I would like to run a Level 1 umpires course on a Sunday.  We must aim to treat umpires with the utmost respect.  Any players who share their opinion while on the pitch with an umpire in any given week should be made to umpire the following week.

Vets and VPs

We have a thriving vets squad and are just beginning to rediscover some of our VPs!

New website                       http://leicesterhockeyclub.co.uk/

Regards,

Neil.

It’s with great sadness that we have to inform everyone that one of our former members, Chris Johnson (CJ) passed away on the 24th of May. As most of you will know CJ had been battling with cancer for a long period now and had already had to have his leg amputated. He passed away in his sleep in the morning of the 24th.

CJ played for the club for two years including the 2004-5 and the 2005-6 seasons whilst he was studying at Demontfort University. During that time he played for both the first and second team and was an enthusiastic and committed player. He was also a talented player who had great potential. Everyone who played with CJ will be in agreement that it was an enjoyable experience to play along side him as he was always up for a laugh. He had a great sense of humour and will be missed by everyone who knew him. Our condolences go out to CJ’s family.

The club is preparing a charity event in honour of CJ for the beginning of the season; details will be on the website.