Chairperson's Comments

It’s been brilliant to welcome more coaches into the fold this season and we hope you enjoy being part of our coaching “team.” Our numbers are continuing to increase and we have had lots of success in the YNE tiered competitions, well done to U14B who came top in the tier 1b league. We were the most successful ever at In2, winning U12B and U10G trophies and qualifying 5 teams to the YNE finals. Lots of our players play in County competitions and we now have 2 players at TA, with more trialling in the coming weeks.

However, that is not the whole story, nor is it the bit that gives me the most satisfaction. I think my happiest moment was high fiving an U12 boy after playing his first match. This is followed closely by watching an U14 girl gain more confidence and skill as she now regularly comes to training. Talented sports players will find success, but encouraging a love of activity in the fresh air and teamwork amongst those less talented is harder to do, yet it benefits us all. It is important to encourage all our players to do well and some teams can contest at a really high level, which is great. But I would hate that to be at the expense of being overly critical and make those not playing at a high level to feel less valued.

It’s always refreshing to hear coaches make encouraging comments and supporting their team. It’s important for players to know that their coach has their backs. Players should play their hardest, do their best and be proud of themselves. If they win that that is certainly something to celebrate but it’s not the most important thing. Standing pitchside I have noticed parents and coaches from all clubs becoming increasingly aggressive and I hate it. We have always prided ourselves in hockey in having a more supportive environment compared to some other sports and it’s important to preserve that.

Similarly I think that the large distances we need to travel to compete at higher levels puts us all under stress, either in the travelling or in covering the groups whose normal coach is away. There are increased stakes in conversations with parents around selection issues. The time taken up by the problems caused by these high level games makes me question their value to the club.  We are never going to be able to compete with clubs where players from several strong hockey playing private schools can attend. I believe our main aim should not be to win trophies but to produce players who will play hockey for the rest of their lives and enjoy it. I believe what should matter most to us is that every player feels a worthwhile part of our club not how many trophies they can collect.

We coaches are all volunteers who love hockey. Let’s pass that love on to the youngsters and enjoy helping them on their journey. Let’s not stress about all the other noise there around us.

Maggie 18.5.26