Membership fees for Aug-Dec are now due. New members are always welcome. If you require further information about joining the Club please contact Neil Murray (email: murrayn@leicestergrammar.org.uk).

Leicester Hockey Club has a formal long-term agreement with Leicester Grammar School. We have excellent access to some of the best hockey facilities in the UK including a water-based pitch, sand-based pitch, indoor sports-hall, changing rooms and hospitality facilities. Hockey activity takes place all year round with a particular focus on preparing young players for participation in the Club league teams.

Leicester Hockey Club have invested heavily in supporting members to complete coaching and umpiring courses to help create a suitable environment in which to develop young players to an elite standard. A ClubsFirst accredited structure includes five league teams, mixed, vets and extensive junior provision.

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.

• 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.

Secretary

Rachel will be pleased as her son David has now represented England at full international level. Congratulations.

Treasurer

Adam remains busy collating membership information and updating signatories on the club accounts. Hopefully this will be completed soon because there are a number of ways in which we can improve our use of the new site (such as another bunker and indoor boards). The 200 club launch will take place next year. Ro and Sharon have both been of considerable help in collecting membership forms and building the database.

Website

Binder has taken over responsibilities. Dave Turner continues to maintain a distant view. Web address: http://leicesterhockeyclub.co.uk/

Associations

Luds continues to keep us aware of local hockey association business. The County are interested in finding a men’s team manager.

Captains

1s Matt Edkins, Manager Chris Palmer

2s Rich Thurlow, Manager Juni Matharu

3s Ben Wheatstone 4s Mark Dunwell 5s Neil Murray

ClubsFirst

Matt E is the point of contact for CRB applications.

Fixtures

Ed is on the case as always.

Social Events

We will run a social event next term. I will be in touch through team captains. Suggestions for events and volunteers always welcome. The team captains together with Sati and Mash have delivered a good term of ‘housekeeping’ in the new clubhouse. Well done. One of my holiday jobs will be to produce a rota for the rest of the season of matchday clubhouse responsibilities.

Another well done to the team captains for successfully arranging 5 teams, umpires, equipment, etc during the first half of the season. The 1s have even embarked on a cup run. The juniors continue to grow and I receive regular membership enquiries as a result of your efforts. Training resumes Jan 5 with a beep test for 1s and 2s. Tim has taken on the role of Coach for the 1s and 2s.

News

Junior Activities

Primary: The last Sunday this term is Dec 13. The coaches will meet Sunday Jan 10 to plan next term in detail and the juniors will return Jan 17. We continue to require parents to attend with their children. We also require a high standard of commitment from children to help us create a safe environment in which everyone improves. The success we enjoy in tournaments with u8, u10 and u12 7-a-side squads is a direct consequence of the regular input from the age-group coaches.

Secondary: The regular Sunday morning training followed by a match is definitely paying off. The u14s won their local regional league and are now in the regional finals in April. The improvement in some of the older secondary boys is marked.

u16 and u18 indoor squads: The Thursday indoor training is another success. We are the Leicestershire indoor winners of both categories by default. The regional competition will be a challenge but also an excellent learning experience. I am considering setting up an indoor league next term. Interested?

Roadshows: Mash and JP have already delivered a term each at separate venues of junior provision. Next term I hope to add clubs run by JP, Mike and Olly to our outreach plan.

Umpires and Coaches

The umpiring situation remains difficult. We really need each squad to grow 2 level 1 umpires. I remain happy to fund umpiring and coaching courses in return for help with the club coaching and umpiring provision.

VPs

Steve Timpson has compiled a list of VPs and I would like an appropriate volunteer to follow up his efforts.

Vets

Note that our next cup match is in February.

Kit

Thanks to Dave, Binder and Sharon for the initiative to arrange for a standard waterproof for the entire club.

Video analysis

I would like to submit a joint bid with the School and Leicester Ladies for some of the England Hockey Capital Investment towards a video analysis for sports capability onsite.

NM (murrayn@leicestergrammar.org.uk)

Secretary

Rachel is investigating entry to an appropriate Men’s National Cup, u16 and u18 national indoor and outdoor competitions.  Leicester Hockey Club will also enter the new local u10, u12 and u14 Club competitions.

Treasurer

Adam has been very busy keeping our finances up to date, updating signatories on the club accounts and setting up the new 200 Club.  Next season’s subscriptions have been set at Men £120, students £60.  Full Match Fees are Home £10, Away £5 (discounts for students).  Junior Membership will be £30 for Aug to Dec (we will go indoor after half-term) £30 for Jan to May (we will start indoor).  There are appropriate rates for Umpires and other categories of membership.  Ro will be assisting as Membership Secretary and Sharon as Junior Membership Secretary.  We currently have about 150 members.

Website

Grace continues to update the website under Dave Turner’s distant supervision.

Web address:     http://leicesterhockeyclub.co.uk/

Associations

Luds continues to keep us aware of local hockey association business.

Captains

1s Matt Edkins, Manager Chris Palmer, Selector Nishel Kumar

2s Rich Thurlow, Manager Juni Matharu

3s Ben Wheatstone

4s Mark Dunwell

5s and 6s Neil Murray

ClubsFirst

Matt E is updating CRBs and roles for next season.

Fixtures

Ed is on the case as always.

Social Events

Volunteers wanted to help organise 4 events during the season.  Suggestions for events and volunteers always welcome.

News

Junior Activities

The remaining Sunday of the Summer Term Project is June 28 (which is indoor, Primary only).  There will be a Primary tournament hosting the St John’s Leicester Hockey Club Roadshow participants on Sat July 4 from 10-12.  We will then have a 3 week break, Sundays will resume Aug 2 from 10-12.

In July I will be discussing with a number of coaches setting up some elite provision (coaching on specific techniques for late Primary and Secondary).  We shall pilot some ideas on July 5 (10-12), 9 (10-12 and 2-4) and 10 (10-12 and 2-4).  We should then be in a position to offer elite lessons during the day on Thurs and Fridays in Aug.  I will cost this at £3 for each 2 hour session, let me know if you wish to book a provisional place so that I can assess demand.

In Aug I will continue to invite a number of first team players to assist the coaching team on Sunday mornings.

In Aug we will resume using the Thurs evening slots for matches involving juniors (6s v 7s).  This will ensure that all juniors of secondary age are able to play a match each week irrespective of Sat match involvement.

I have placed a bid in the region of £7000 to fund the Roadshow and hope to roll this programme out to a number of schools next season.  Let me know if you want more details about how to add your school to this list.

Summer Project

The remaining Tues are June 23, 30 and July 7.  I will arrange the teams tomorrow evening.  Thurs are now finished until Aug.  Preseason training will begin Tues Aug 4, meet 7 for a 7.30 start.  We will be using the beep test regularly.  Be aware of the new rules.  Chris Johnson Festival 2009 charity fundraiser will be Aug 15.

Umpires and Coaches

I will schedule the umpires course in Aug or Sept.  The Level 1 Coaches course will be 9-5 on Sundays 6, 13, 20 in September.  Let me know if you wish to attend.

V Ps

Steve Timpson and I will continue to investigate possible VP activity.

Presidents Day

A very successful day at our new site including the junior tournament and 3 matches (6v5, 4v3, 2v1).  We raised £150 after expenses from the day and launched the new 200 Club (to which we are hoping to sign up many of the current membership – details from NM, Adam or Boy).

Have a good 3 week break in July,

NM

murrayn@leicestergrammar.org.uk

• 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.

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.

‘the road of excess leads to the palace of wisdom’

We are involved in a number of hockey related projects, hence the excess (and the length of this newsletter). The palace is the facilities we now have available. The wisdom is recognising that the structures we are putting in place will naturally lead to success. For example, the current strategy of 2 flagship teams and 3 strong supporting squads with a mix of experience and youth. We expect players to support the club by playing where asked, the best will rise to the top over the season.

Leicester Hockey Club (Men) are 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 and 4s;
Tues evening 6-7.30 for u13s, u14s and y15s and 5th team;
Thurs after school 4.00-5.00 u9s and u11s;
Thurs evenings County core skills training for invited juniors (6.30-7.30 or 7.45-8.45);
Sunday 10-12 junior training u9s-u18s + County.
Vets next match Nov 9.

The junior tournament last Sunday

With the help of our junior hockey club partner, South Leicester, we hosted over 50 7-a-side squads during last Sunday. Leicester Hockey Club (Men) u9s won their age group, the u11s were runners-up and the u13s made the semi-final. Well done to all who helped on a fantastic day for the Club supported by the School’s fabulous facilities (it was good to see so many pupils from the School involved). An impressive example of local community involvement facilitated by Leicester Grammar School.

Coaching

We have increased our coaching resource as a club by funding 10 new level 1 coaches. This will allow us to capitalise on our facilities and distinguish our hockey provision.

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.

Training

The fixtures are now available at the MRHA website for the season, all 1s and 2s home matches will be on water (as will most of the home 3s matches). The default assumption is that you will attend training - in the unlikely event you are unavailable can you let your team captain know. Jon Williams has taken over the 1s and 2s training and is doing a very good job.

Vets and VPs

The next vets match is at home on Nov 9. This would be an appropriate occassion to invite vps to attend. We were very fortunate to receive a large donation from some of the vps last month.

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. Leicester Hockey Club (Men) currently have more than 10 boys of an appropriate standard at representative ‘core skills’ training run by the County on a Thurs evening. I am aware that the training on a Tues evening is at a difficult time for u12s and u13s, next term we shall plan provision for these groups to help prepare for the March tournaments.

Membership and shirts

Nigel Comley is the Membership Officer. He is also selling club white and black shirts.

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.

We will be moving 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
• Thurs after school 4.00-5.30 u9s and u11s
• Thurs evenings County core skills training for invited juniors
• Sunday 10-12 junior training u9s-u18s + County
• Vets first match Oct 12 (if not a home match I will arrange an invitation to the new facilities)

Chris Johnson Hockey Festival

I would like as much support as possible for the Chris Johnson 7-a-side hockey festival at Manor Road Aug 24. We are partnering with De Montfort to remember Chris through hockey - please confirm your availability to me asap (u13+parents+men welcome). Let me know if you can supply a marquee/barby. In addition to hockey on the day De Montfort are arranging entertainment in the evening for those who wish to partake.

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. Next season Phill Yetzes, the Hockey Development Officer for Leics, Derbs, Notts and Staffs will coach at the club. In addition, there will be a Level 1 course running Sept 21, 28 and Oct 12 - possible attendees Binder, Dave S, Dave T, George, Simon, Ian, Mark D, Ben M, Ciaran M, Olly, Jas, Phil, Josh, JP, Tim. Matt E this is the target list who require CRBs (in addition to Juni, Laura, Mike).

Current and prospective players

The fixtures are now available for next season, all 1s and 2s home matches will be on water (as will 9 of the 11 home 3s matches). The Premiership football players returned to training this week - your team captain will be in touch about fitness training. Pre-season fixture information will follow from captains, in addition note 5 target dates:

• Aug 10 - Matt K will captain a squad in the Westleigh tournament at St Margarets
• Aug 24 - the Chris Johnson Hockey Festival at Manor Road
• Aug 30 - I will manage 2 teams in the Special Olympics tournament at St Margs
• 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

July 8 week 10: 7.30 meet, black shirts, Rana (yet to confirm to Tim), Tim, Dave Tilley, Mark Stonestreet, Matt E, Del, Dave Turner, Ed T, Ed B (yet to confirm to Tim), Adam, Luds, Boy, Rich. Umpire from the squad.
July 15 week 11: 8.30 meet, black shirts. Please confirm availability to me because i only wish to have a squad of 12, George, Matt K, Adam, Calum, Arjun, Rajan, Josh, Jon, Matt T and Jas (missed you 2 this morning), Simon, Will Read. Unavailable i think: Dale, Ben, Ciaran, Olly.

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 squads of 12 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.

Summer Sundays

July 13 and 20 Soar Valley 10-12
Aug 10 Soar Valley

Sponsorship

We already have a number of sponsors interested in funding banners around the pitches. It would also be appropriate to relaunch the 200 club. I am considering approaching an individual to manage this area but a volunteer would be preferable.

Membership

Nigel Comley, membership officer, will begin collecting fees next month.