Message from the Chair.
As we wrap up the first half of this season, I thought I would bring you up-to-date, having just had what I consider one of the best weekends personally at the hockey club with hard competitive play, even if all the results didn’t go in our favour.
The 2 cup games with the spectators present on Sunday were especially enjoyable, resulting in 2 EHC cup wins for the mixed and 050 men’s, both hard fought and well deserved. Looking forward to the draw for the next rounds.
I am particularly pleased with the way the club is pulling together. Particular thanks go to the people who run the clubhouse, both officially and behind-the-scenes, making the club the warm and inviting place it is to both socialise and play hockey.
The team who organise and run the social aspect of the club are working particularly hard to ensure that at least once a month there is an organised event – with loads of exciting plans for the second half of the season and beyond.
The umpires who turn up week in and week out, many officiating multiple games over the weekend, are true heroes and I’m pleased to say that we’re now in position to start signing more umpires off once they have completed their online course. If anybody would like details of how to start their journey into umpiring, then please let me know, we can show you how.
The various sections within the club, ladies, men’s and juniors have seen the biggest influx of new players across the board that I have ever witnessed. The hard work of all those involved within these sections and the way new players and their families are welcomed into the Worthing hockey club family it’s a joy to see. I am particularly delighted with the way our junior section has doubled in size since September, showing the way forward for more competitive hockey within this section for the second half of the season and far beyond as this section continues to grow. I thoroughly enjoy the morning sessions on a Sunday, when I come down to witness the delight on the children’s faces, as they grasp the fundamentals of hockey, many of which will be future stars for the club. On this point due to the success and growth of the junior section, we are looking for volunteers to help with the admin of running some parts of this section. The club is looking for a number of junior coordinators.
- Fixtures coordinator for the various tournament and games on a Sunday – U10/U12 girls and boys. One for each would be ideal
- Coordinator to manage the hosting of games and tournaments at the club on Sundays.
- General admin for the whole Comets junior section, being a first point of contact, and then passing any necessary information, questions, or requests onto the relevant people within the club.
The committee have now had half a season to get a firm grip on the club and you would not believe the hard work that every one of them has put in over the last six months.
Our coaching staff have really got to grips with the needs at the club and I’m delighted to say that we now have a level three coach within our ranks to help enhance and improve the already fantastic coaching facilities that we offer. Remember that coaching is included with your membership and everybody is welcome to use our evening coaching facilities.
The next event at the club is the ‘Boxing day’ games on 30/12/23. Please see Teamo for full details.
If you don’t follow the club on any of this social media channels, then you are missing out on some fabulous posts, with updates on what is happening at the club both on and off the pitch.
The club only works when everybody pulls together, and we are always looking for more people who feel that they could enhance the club. If you feel there is something that you could contribute or help out with then as usual, please feel free to contact me at any time.
We’re also always looking for new sponsorship, especially targeted at the junior section. Various sponsorship packages are available.
I will end this update by wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and look forward to seeing you all in the New Year or at the ‘Boxing Day’ games.
Warmest Regards Ant
07802202571
antfuest@btconnect.com