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

• Tuesdays 7.15-8.45 pm (Club training, starting August 10th) water+sand+indoor;
• Thursdays 6.00-8.00 pm (Secondary boys, starting August 12th) water+indoor;
• Sundays 10.00-12.00 am (Secondary and primary, starting August 8th) water+sand+indoor.

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.

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.

It is the reporting season at school so it seems appropriate to write a report card for the hockey club. This newsletter is ordered once again on the Club post holders first followed by other news items last. I have once again tried to include something for everyone and updated various items.

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)

All the things you wanted to know about hockey but were afraid to ask. This newsletter is ordered once again based on the Club post holders first followed by other news items last. I have tried to include something for everyone.

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

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.