Chairman’s Report 2020-2021

The past 12 -18 months without doubt have been the most challenging that the Hockey Club has had to face since its inception in 1954. It has also been very taxing for the majority of our members in one way or another.

Somehow, as a Club we have managed to pull through and provide some kind of hockey for everyone, whether it has been under restricted conditions or within the everchanging different phases of COVID-19. As importantly I believe we have also provided moral support for our members when they have needed it through these difficult times.

The fact that we have managed through such trying times is down I believe to our great community spirit and the hard work and dedication of our Committee members, who have worked tirelessly to ensure that all the COVID-19 risk assessments, the hands, space, face protocols are complied with. That the signage, hand gel and track & trace processes have all been put in place. None have worked more tirelessly than Russ Way our COVID-19 and Child Support Officer ensuring that everyone registers and that we are up to date with the latest protocols. Without the dedication of the few I can assure you there would have been absolutely no hockey over the past 18 months.

As the league season was curtailed early for all there is nothing to report as there has been no relegation or promotion. The new proposed league structure from England Hockey should be sorted for the start of next season, and I assume any changes to our team’s geography will be manageable.

As most of you are probably aware we have extended training for both the Juniors and the seniors and arranged additional matches and provided Summer Hockey to help with the lack of matches through the season.

I would like to thank all our volunteers who make running the Club possible you can never underestimate all the hard work they all do.

I would also like to thank all the Captains / Coaches and Managers for their help and support last season and a thank you for those willing to continue next season.

What does the future hold?

• The New pitch is due to be started at the end of July and should be finished by early November providing there are no hiccups. The existing pitch is also getting new floodlights at some time in October.

What does this mean? 

• Providing negotiations continue with Joyce Frankland continue to run smoothly we will be able to play all our home games at Newport rather than travelling to SWCHS.
• Junior Training can be condensed to Sunday’s rather than spread throughout the week.
• We can have additional slots on the main pitch if required

The privilege of playing all our home matches at JFAN creates a minor problem with the Clubhouse in that we will probably have to accommodate 4 teams at the same time - approximately 60 people

I am hoping in the near future that we can refurbish the Clubhouse - remove the changing rooms, put in new bar, kitchen new doors and windows to provide a larger community space. 

If we can raise enough funds we are looking to next summer to start this project.

We are currently talking to JFAN about using the Cricket Pavilion for changing rooms so if there are any builders/ painters/ plumbers who are willing to provide help and support please let me know. 

While I am on the subject as always the Club runs on volunteers, and we are always grateful to people who step up and help we currently have several vacancies open that need filling. We also need sponsorship to help provide equipment and kit for our teams and with the refurbishment of the Clubhouse so if you know anyone……….. come and talk to me.

Hopefully the various media outlets we use are keeping everyone up to date 

The Website, TEAMO, The Newsletter, Instagram and Twitter. We also have our own YouTube Channel where you can see the latest training videos courtesy of Spencer Hill and Grant Ward.

The Club has taken the decision to apply for Club Mark which is England Hockey’s accreditation system partly to provide infrastructure to all our processes so that we can ensure any change in management can continue without any major issues

The Club Mark will also let the Club apply to become a Talent Academy which I believe will help secure the future of the Club. 

We are also revamping the Junior structure to align with the Academy format so there is a seamless transition from our Juniors into the Academy.

What are my expectations for next season?

• My biggest concern following COVID-19 is that we are in danger of losing the social aspect of hockey, people may have got used to turning up changed ready for the game and leave straight afterwards.

 It is I believe the responsibility of each team to ensure that we entertain the opposition and that all the team members stay and socialise after the game even the younger members.

• I would also like members of the first and second teams to help with Junior Coaching on a Sunday mornings to. Provide role models and mentors to our juniors.