Mama Jo…

Following on from yesterday’s post from Chris Grant, one of the founders of the FRE Flyers, I caught up with Jo Melchior to find out more about her and her role with the FRE Flyers. 

“I think back to the 6th of August 2012 and smile to myself, as that was the first day I took up the role of Club Development Manager for the FRE Flyers. I have never really been sure of that title, as someone who isn’t impressed with the name on the badge, but rather is a woman whose opinion is formed through the actions of an individual,” Jo explains. 

It’s hard to define a single role for Jo, as she seems to be there for everything, from organising pitches, kit and satellite clubs to social media, crisis management and morale. She commands respect without demand and provides the support the club needs.

“I suppose my remit is to ensure the smooth running of the project, the provision of training, the management of relationships and partnerships, day to day logistics and inevitably the pursuit of funding.

I come from a background in Sport, first as a competitor and subsequently as a teacher / coach / team manager. I have managed large leisure facilities in challenging environments and spent time working in the legal system specialising in child protection. I suppose some of this has prepared me for my most privileged role yet, that of ‘Mama Jo’ to the FRE Flyers a name bestowed on me by the kids themselves.

This entails, providing support of every kind imaginable, sourcing opportunities for training & qualifications, routes to employment, all the regular stuff, but mostly a listening ear, an honest opinion, hopefully some sound advice and sometimes a shoulder to cry on.” 

And that support is not just exclusive to the Flyers themselves, many a time has Jo extended that support. A lynch pin in the network of coaches, a link between the realms. So why does she continue to do her role?  

“Its 4 years on and I am still here, yes its part time in respect of employment, which works for me and the finances of the project, but it’s a full time commitment that I am happy to make, because the personal pride and satisfaction from being around the kids, the coaches and the supporters is immense. I never tire of telling people about what I do for a living and without exception people always react in the same way “wow, that sounds like an amazing job” ….and it is.

Young people often get a ‘bad press’ and sometimes that is the reality of the tiny minority that deserve it. However FRE Flyers has shown me that when given focus and purpose and most of all consistency, even those who might have been at risk of making bad choices in life, make a string of good choices. Our young people have become healthier, happier, smarter, more ambitious and determined and in short are a credit to themselves and their families.”

What’s so good about working with the FRE Flyers? 

“I am lucky to work alongside a terrific team of coaches who all bring a unique flavour to training. They have embraced my philosophy of “challenging, challenging kids”. We expect the core values of FRIENDSHIP, RESPECT & EXCELLENCE to underpin everything we do and have taken what was essentially a ‘vision’ based on Olympic values and created a healthy, vibrant and safe place for those who choose to come along on the journey.”

What should people know about the FRE Flyers? Why does this group continue? 

“We have inevitably lost some along the journey, life and family issues have got in the way, education and work have taken a priority over sport (not the worst thing to happen) and a few have fallen out of love with FRE Flyers, but that’s teenagers for you. The one thing that always remains is that the door never closes, the ‘family ties’ created by the young people may stretch but NEVER break. Once a FRE Flyer, ALWAYS a FRE Flyer.”

Tomorrow we shall be speaking to a couple of the FRE Flyers themselves, so they can tell you why they love hockey and what the FRE Flyers means to them. 

For more information about the FRE Flyers: 

Website : http://www.freflyers.co.uk/
Twitter: @FREFlyers 
Facebook: FRE Flyers Club
Virgin Money Giving: FRE Flyers Fundraising

The FRE Flyers: Origins and Chapter One

The memorable thing about meeting Chris Grant, one of the founders of the FRE Flyers, was his complete passion and enthusiasm when sharing the story of the birth of the FRE Flyers during a sunny evening stroll through the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. I asked him to share his story….

 “6th July 2005 was one of the best days that this country has had in my lifetime. It was the day that London swayed the IOC
[International Olympic Committee]
into rejecting the charms of runaway favourite, Paris, and embracing our “Singapore Promise” that – if the 2012 Games came to Stratford – we would use them to inspire and engage with young people facing immense challenges around the world.

Five years later, I had been inspired to become a volunteer Board Member of the International Inspiration Foundation: a collaborative effort involving the British Council, UNICEF, UK Sport, the Youth Sport Trust and others – which had set itself the target of fulfilling that Singapore promise by using sport to work in a meaningful way with 12 million children in 20 countries: a target which was ultimately blown away as more than 20 million children and young people were engaged, and 250,000 coaches, teachers and young leaders were trained.

The direct stimulus for the FRE Flyers had nothing to do with sport. It came about when I read a devastating statistic about my home city: the journey from Westminster, the seat of our democracy, to Stratford, our Olympic and Paralympic Park, is 10 stops on the Jubilee Line. In 2010, for each stop along the way, the average life expectancy of a baby born in that neighbourhood went down by just over a year. This felt inexcusable to me, and exacerbated my one real fear about physical legacy of the Games: that we might simply create a new tourist destination in the East of London, which offered nothing to young people who were growing up there, who had very real and immediate needs.

 In May 2010, a small group convened at the Commonwealth Club in Northumberland Avenue to consider the question: “If you were planning to approach a group of young people in the East End of London in 2014 and ask what the Games had done for them, and wanted a positive answer, what would you do?” The group, which included Debbie Lye, the Director of International Inspiration, Steve Grainger, then CEO of the Youth Sport Trust, Geraldine Blake, CEO of Community Links in Newham and Jason Lee, Head Coach GB and England men’s hockey (at that point the reigning European Champions) came up with a clear answer: “You would reinvent the multisports club on the Olympic Park”.

We put some detail behind this, and I turned it into a document with which I then spent a few months trailing around to different funders and organisations trying to gather support. It soon became apparent that people had other priorities, or didn’t really understand what we were trying to do. But in 2011, when Jason Lee wanted to do some work with his squad to ensure that they really felt the benefits of being “at home” when they played in the London Games, and also to develop them as individuals and a team, the idea came about of creating a project in conjunction with Community Links, which could become a prototype for the club.

Quickly, we made arrangements to recruit 30 young people – boys and girls – through Community Links. We specifically avoided going through PE Departments – or schools at all, as we didn’t think they would be able to resist the temptation to send their “goodies” or their sporty pupils. Community Links ran programmes for young people facing all kinds of challenges, and they succeeded in bringing together a group who looked as far away from a classic junior hockey squad in this country as you can imagine.

Things moved quickly, and on 5th March 2011 the GB players met the group who would later name themselves the FRE Flyers for the first time. The deal with the youngsters was simple: show up to all the sessions and behave yourself well enough, and in just 12 weeks you’ll get on a bus with the GB squad and go to Holland and play a hockey match against a Dutch Club side.

 What happened next could fill a book let alone a blog. For now, I’ll just say that the prototype was a huge success, and became the foundation for what has become a genuinely life-changing experience for a number of the young people. I’ll also say that – as the boys lost their game 4-1, and the girls 1-0 – the Dutch parents at Union Hockey Club simply refused to believe that the vast majority of the youngsters had never played the game three months earlier.

 In the five years since then, a remarkable number of the original youngsters have continued to play and love hockey. They’ve been joined by new arrivals although, to be honest, the original vision of a thriving, large-scale multisports club on the Olympic Park remains elusive.

We’ve learned an immense amount and, with the new priorities of Government and Sport England, maybe the landscape will be more conducive to building the FRE Flyers and similar initiatives. I’m certainly going to take some of that learning in the Boardroom of Sport England, when I take up my place in September of this year.

Maybe most important, what has become clear is that hockey is too shining an asset to be confined to the leafy suburbs and lucky few. The qualities and skills developed by the FRE Flyers have made them more employable; healthier; more resilient and better at forming strong relationships – all things which contribute to a longer and happier life. Those Jubilee Line statistics on life expectancy at birth have actually got worse since 2010, as our country has seen inequality and unfairness grow. Wouldn’t it be great if hockey could be part of the solution to that glaring set of problems?”

 Chris Grant – July 2016

Tomorrow we will catch up with Mama Jo to learn about her important role within the FRE Flyers.

For more information about the FRE Flyers: 

Website : http://www.freflyers.co.uk/

Twitter: @FREFlyers 

Facebook: FRE Flyers Club

Virgin Money Giving:  FRE Flyers Fundraising

 

FRIENDSHIP…. RESPECT…. EXCELLENCE

The Olympic values; adopted by the FRE Flyers, a sporting group of youngsters from Newham and Tower Hamlets.

FRE Flyers and Hockey for Heroes join forces – June 2016

As the Rio Olympics draw closer, reminiscing back to London 2012, can we say that sport had an impact on the local community? For one legacy group frequently practicing on the Olympic Park, years later, hockey, to them, has become more than just a game.

Throughout this week, I’ll be featuring this group, the FRE Flyers, on the blog. I want to help you get to know this amazing project a little better, who we are, what we do, the principles, origins, founders, funders and successes of the FRE Flyers. I’ll introduce you to some inspiring and creative people, including the kids, coaches and creators. Speaking to some of the original members of the group I’ll find out why hockey is important to them and how the FRE Flyers has helped them and will continue to help others along their journey.

This is what the FRE Flyers means to me…. 

‘Sic wheels Bruv’…

…shouted one of my kids as I’m flying past the Velodrome on my nephew’s scooter, freewheeling my way along the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park heading to the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre for another FRE Flyers training session. The scooter had been subject to ridicule from a majority of my work colleagues, and I had expected ridicule from East London, but for the grand total of £1, it was a real bargain timesaver, and by the sounds of it, a bit of a surprising hit with my kids. The scooter, like the Flyers, represented a freedom; an expression of whatever I wanted to be, of whoever I wanted to be, in a place and an environment that was perfect to do that. 

It didn’t take me long to realise what an amazing bunch of ‘kids’ the FRE Flyers were. I remember that feeling at the first training session with them and I’ve had that feeling ever since. It was the 10thApril 2015, playing on the Olympic hockey pitch at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, and there were people everywhere, crowd funders, founders, coaches, guests and Flyers. I felt a little scared at first but this was very short lived as the Flyers took me straight under their wing. I found myself in the thick of it, playing on the blue team, captained by Mike, and alongside two of the Beeston GB quintet Ollie Willars and Tim Whiteman, who were present at training that evening. I don’t even remember if we won or lost, but somehow the result didn’t matter. The feeling was like being caught in a slow motion playback – senses heightened, everyone smiling, working hard for the ball, for each other, their team, enjoying the raw qualities of a Friday night push around with a couple of mates down the local park. It just happened that this was the Olympic park, and it was theirs to own.

They collectively never cease to surprise me. For one reason alone that as a teenager, on a Friday night, I had a million places I’d rather be. But these kids turn out week in week out to train, to pick up a stick and run around for two hours, with friends and family. And they love it. You can tell they are a close group, with a lot of love and respect for each other, they look out for each other, defend each other, push and encourage each other and have a distinct desire to learn and get better whilst having fun. There are kids that battle with physical, mental and emotional challenges but are involved every week. To overcome such personal challenges to stand up in front of a group of their peers and coach the game you’ve been taught is a testament to how far these kids have come. And they are amazing!

Just another training session with the Flyers 

Mama Jo (Melchior) – organiser of all the flyers, sums it up nicely, saying something along these lines.

“You don’t have to be amazing at sport to enjoy it, there are so many other ways to be involved in sport than playing it. That’s what we do at the FRE Flyers, we encourage kids to be involved in any way they can”

From flying solo coaching the kids alone, to taking a team up to Birmingham playing two really tough games against
 Old Sihillians HC,  Orlton & West Warwick

supporting each other through good times and bad. Through this group I’ve found the real meaning of the #HockeyFamily.

Tomorrow we speak to Chris Grant, founder of the FRE Flyers and his story into the origins of this remarkable project. 

For more information about the FRE Flyers: 

Website : http://www.freflyers.co.uk/

Twitter: @FREFlyers 

Facebook: FRE Flyers Club

Virgin Money Giving: FRE Flyers fundraising

Pairs and Ladders…

Week three and we are cracking on with the pre-season fitness training at St Ives Hockey Club. With the start of the school summer holidays, of course some of the teachers had vanished on holiday, but that didn’t stop an increase in numbers. 

Building on strength and endurance this week, in slightly cooler conditions than last weeks blistering sun, meant the introduction of my favourite bit of kit, the ladders! Here’s how the session went… For those teachers who wish to catch up. 

1. Zig-Zag cones and ladders:

(Set up a channel of 8 cones, approximately 5yards apart at 45degree angle, followed by a set of ladders) 

A: Repeat cycle X 2 – rest 1 minute 

Cones:

• Sprint forwards jog backwards 
• Side step squats (touch cone)
• Sprint (touch cone)

Ladders:

• Two feet in each box face forward 

Return:

• Warrior Lunges

B: Repeat cycle X 2 – rest one minute

Cones:

• Left leg hop 
• Right leg hop
• Bunny hops (two feet together, touch the ground)

Ladders:

• Two feet in each box side facing
• Change direction on the second round 

Return:

• Reverse Lunges

2. Groups of Four – In Pairs: One pair runs, one pair exercises then swap.

A: 2 x  400m run / Overs & Unders 

B: 1 x  200m sprint / Burpees

C: 1 x 400m run / pairs ‘high 5’ crunches

D: 3 x 100m sprint / plank splits + twists

E: 4 x 50m sprint / pairs squats & reachback

**all runs should have jog back recovery**

For an extra Brucey bonus, here’s a quick Abs of Steel circuit that we didn’t have time for….

• 10 x sit-up
• 10 x bicycle crunch
• 10 x crocodile walk
• 10 x scissor crunch

Rest

• 10 x duck walk
• 10 x oblique crunches
• 50m bear crawl
• 10 x V-crunches

As with any of these sessions, ensure you have a thorough warm up, warm down and stretch to avoid any injuries. 

Sun’s out… Guns out…

I thought the torrential hail storm would have cleared the muggy heat in time for last nights pre-season fitness session, but there was no such luck!

Still a good turnout despite some thinking they were going to get caught in hail. Personally I love running in the rain, especially after a blistering hot day. But the sun had persevered and was still warm, proving tricky for speed running.

Before starting the session, especially in the heat, make sure you have hydrated properly and eaten the appropriate amount to get you through the session. For hydration, I use “High 5 – Zero” electrolyte and magnesium tablets. I find they keep you balanced whilst you are sweating and exercising, providing a fresh alternative to water.

Week 2: Endurance/conditioning 

All running should be completed at maximum effort:

2x 800m (2mins rest in between)

• 10x press-ups
• 10x squats
• 10x crunches
• 10x lunges (each leg)
• 10x Tricep dips

3x 400m (1min 30 sec rest)

• 10x tuck jump shuffle (10yrd sprint)
• 10x burpees
• 30x left leg hop
• 30x right leg hop

2x 200m (walk back recovery)

• 10x ski-jumpers
• 10x split jumps (or reverse lunges)
• 45sec plank
• 10x sumo squat kicks
• 10x oblique crunches

3x 100m (jog recovery) 

• 10x leg raises
• 10x marching plank (raise opp arm/leg)

4x 50m sprints (walk back recovery) 

Always remember to have a thorough warm up and warm down, including a good stretch.

Back to fitness…

Yes that time of year has come around again, your dreams of a summer of feasting have been shattered, it’s that time for pre-season fitness to start again. 

A sterling turnout from St Ives hockey club, as the 8-week programme gets underway. 

The programme includes team building and stamina building to start, moving onto some strength and conditioning, and finally the power and explosive phase to lead into the on-pitch training. 

For those of you that could not make last nights season and wish to carry out the fitness tests in your own time, I’ve attached the document below for you to do so. Second lot of tests will be in week 8 to **hopefully** show your progression. 

For each exercise, time 1 minute and complete as many of the exercises in one minute as you can. Take 1 minute rest inbetween each exercise (as to make it a fair test – we completed these in pairs). 

Fitness takes place at St Ives Outdoor centre every Wednesday 7.30-8.30. It’s £4 per session. Visit the Website for further details. 

Danson delight:

Watching the 5th / 6th place play off at the Hockey Champions League trophy 2016 at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre on Sunday was not the game I, or anyone else, had envisioned watching the GB hockey ladies playing in when I bought tickets for the “Finals” day. However, after a tricky tournament for the girls, a sense of pride kicked in, a fire was ignited and there was a unity back on the pitch that had just been slightly off kilter the previous week. 

This game was by far the most exciting of the day, watching the two teams, GB v New Zealand, battle out in a repeat of the London 2012 Bronze Medal match. (That I was also present at!) The score line increasing and balancing out continuously, into the 4th quarter at 3-3, it really was a case of Who Dares Wins!

From my previous post you may remember I wanted to capture a photo of Alex Danson on the ball… And I had many attempts as Danson was on fire. Creating space, making perfect leads, a dribbling dream as she managed to find the back of the net, not once, not twice and even after a brief spell where we thought the GK had knocked her out, she came back to score the most amazing goal in an exciting one on one with the NZ keeper for a sizzling hatrick of goals, and the winner. 

From a personal point of view (and I have been known to see things differently to everyone else!)  I think this tournament will have helped us on the road to Rio…. It’s identified areas to strengthen, set plays to work on (and we saw some incredible penalty corners emerging), players personal responsibility and showed some superb displays of courage, fight, resilience and a never say die attitude. And we have time to learn and build on this. I truely believe the girls needed a tournament like this to build. And I absolutely genuinely believe they will go to Rio with an ignition that will take them far… Very far! (I’ve already put a bet on for the Gold Medal – just putting it out there.) Everybody wants to win the Gold Medal, for most teams this is only aspirational, but following these girls journeys from Beijing in 2008 and their growth and development after London 2012, their dream can and has a real opportuniy to be realised. 

As selection draws closer, I want to thank each and every one of the girls in the squad for all their hard work, grit, perseverance and determination. It will be heart breaking not to be selected, but they should know that it will ultimately be because squad numbers are restricted and not because they have not given their all. There is no-one in that squad who hasn’t given everything, and we as fans have enjoyed every second of supporting your journey. From personal battles of injury and rehab to squad battles, following the World Cup, it’s been a hell of a ride! We love you and we support you!   Always! And whatever the result, we know you’ll give your all and we will have seen you leave it all on the pitch! 

I’m not much of a photographer….

…. But I do keep trying to capture some good images of hockey players. I have progressed, ever so slightly…. I manage to get the ball in the picture now… And if I’m really lucky I can get a player with the ball…. That is my progression! And I’m pleased by this, since I know nothing about photography…..

Recently at the Hockey Champions Trophy competition at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, I managed to snap a few shots of the men’s and ladies games. I have to remember I am there to watch the games and not photograph them though, otherwise you miss most of the play.

I realised from looking back over my hockey shots that I definitely have a few favourite types of photo:

1) The Penalty Corner

(Las Leonas – Argentina v USA #HCT2016)

(Clifton v Reading)

2) The sideline subs

(Korea v Australia #HCT2016)

(Wales – Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2014)

(Germany v Belgium #HCT2016) 

3) Player Shirts

(Ellie Cockburn – Reading v Clifton) 

(Simon Mantell – GB v India #HCT2016)

(South Africa v India – Commenwealth Games Glasgow 2014)

4) The close up

(GB v Netherlands #HCT2016)

(Nick Catlin – GB v India #HCT2016)

5) The obligatory selfie

(Sissy Hauke – Germany) 

(Amy Gibson – Scotland)

(Helen Richardson Walsh – Reading/GB/England)

So there you have it…. My next challenge is to get a photo (unblurred!!) of Alex Danson dribbling the ball…. Here’s hoping !!

Winners are Grinners!

I wanted to write a very very quick post to congratulate the England Hockey Ladies on winning the coveted award for the Vitality Team of the Year Award at the 2015 Sunday Times and Sky Sports Sportswomen of the Year Awards. #SWOTY2015

This is a team that have come back from the depths of despair, after finishing 11th in the World Cup 2014 At The Hague, beating Belgium in a penalty shootouts to avoid last place in the tournament.  As a devoted supporter of this team, I was as disappointed as everyone else. Seeing a team I believed in struggle to secure any results was heart breaking. Knowing players that I have watched and supported for years were excluded from the squad and others not playing to their full potential was frustrating. This squad seemed to be missing some of the flair I had witnessed at the London 2012 Olympic Games and tournaments thereafter.

The Hockey World League Semi-Finals in Valencia, June 2015, brought about a change in the squad, new management, new players and it was like witnessing a completely different side. Their endless training, mental and physical preparation, guts and determination secured them the top spot, beating China 2-0 in the final. On top form, England entered the Euro-league championship in August with one dream in mind.

I was lucky enough to attend most of this tournament, held at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, to watch a number of the girls games and I saw a fire and momentum I hadn’t seen in this team for a long time. It was exhilarating, they were exciting to watch, inspiring generations to pick up a stick and go play their beloved sport. They had the whole hockey family behind them and they were not going to let any single one of them down.  Even after exhausting matches, the girls gave their time to remain at the pitch to meet their fans, speaking to every single person, thanking them for their support, signing sticks and paraphernalia.

In a tense and exciting final game, the England hockey ladies showed their salt. This was their opportunity to shine. They were 2-0 down with about ten minutes to go and they made the most dramatic comeback , playing World and Olympic champions the Netherlands, to equalise forcing the game into an agonising penalty shoot out.

I unfortunately was at work and not pitch side for the final game, but managed to steal the TV from a room full of boys watching Top Gear. At first the boys showed little interest in the game, but by the shoot out, they were addicted! Eyes intently glued on the final plays. Shouting at the TV for the girls to win.

The girls showed such character, such a calm nature, one more job to do, and Maddie Hinch, GK for England, had nerves of steal, securing victory for England. Victors for the first time since 1991. #smashedit

Amongst the shortlist with the prestigious winners were, Chelsea Ladies, England Football, and Rowing – Helen Glover & Heather Stanning.

The Chelsea ladies nominated for winning the league and cup double.The England Ladies football team nominated for their performance at the World Cup, sealing them a Bronze medal. Glover & Stanning for retaining their world title after an unbeaten run of 28 races. Each team worthy opponents for the award, however  I was thrilled to see the girls win the award.
On receiving the award, Alex Danson paid tribute to the England Ladies football team, spotting them as inspiration, after watching their performance in the World Cup. The support amongst the international women in sport is phenomenal, and truely inspirational not only to the international superstars, but to us, everyday people, who enjoy the world of sport and aspire to improve every day.

Fixture’s Frenzy

Sat here watching the Eurohockey at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, reading all the tweets of support from various hockey clubs up and down the country, made me ponder how many people are actually involved in the running of their hockey clubs?

A very wise person once told me that there are many ways of being involved in sport, not just by playing the game. Each as important as being that player on the pitch. And without ‘those’ people, then it wouldn’t be possible to play that sport. A club needs people to run and maintain it. A whole bunch of dedicated, hard working enthusiastic people.

By looking at some roles within a hockey club that help to make it function effectively and efficiently, I hope to encourage more people to put back into their own clubs, to help their club life continue to flourish and grow. Without the tireless work of volunteers, your club “simply would not function”. No matches to play, no pitch to play on, no players to play, no money to spend. I could go on!

This ‘Women’s Wednesday’ post goes over to the fixtures secretary of Stevenage Hockey Club, Hertfordshire – Emma Houlihan. Although the threat of snow sends her into a frenzy, there’s nothing this lady does not know how to deal with regards to fixtures, a vital member and an asset to her club.

 

Who are you and where you from? 
Emma Houlihan, Stevenage Hockey Club and I have always lived locally in and around Stevenage.

What job do you do and how did you get there?

I work for The IET (The Institution of Engineering & Technology). No I’m not an engineer but my role means I work with and for a lot of them. It’s a bit of a mixed bag, for the most part I help engineering organisations recruit some of The IET’s 151,000 members. I also play a part in promoting Engineering as a career of choice to females and recognising and rewarding those ladies that do well in the industry. It’s shocking that only about 7% of all the UK’s engineers are female.

What clubs you played for? 

I’ve only ever played for Stevenage Hockey Club.

How long have you played there? 

I joined in December 2008 (I had to check my Facebook photo albums to work that out) so this season will be my 8th season, although it feels a lot longer.
What is your role within the club?

I am the Fixtures Secretary for SHC and have been for 4/5 years now, but I generally do a fair selection of other bits and bobs the club needs doing throughout the year. I also am a qualified hockey coach and have in previous years been the clubs Membership Secretary and I’ve been a captain twice.

Why did you choose to do that role?

I wanted to help and support my club somehow. I was at a club social, it was late in the evening and it was suggested to me and I agreed to take on the role (apparently), so I can’t say that I choose the role. But ultimately, I love my club and the people in it and want to give something back.

Why is that role important in a club?

Simply – It’s a vital role for any club. Without it you would not have an opposition or a pitch booking – and therefore no match.

The role is mostly about communication – making sure pitches, teas and umpires are booked and making sure oppositions, captains and players know where they are supposed to be and when.

As with lots of club roles, without it’s members giving some of their time, hockey clubs simply wouldn’t function.

How many emails (club related) do you get a week?

It varies dependant on the time of year. Most of the time it’s actually quite minimal, maybe up to 5 emails per week. The busier times during pre-season in July and August when you are getting the times and venues sorted and arranging friendlies there are more emails and things to do, probably a few hours week.  

Then of course you have times when the weather decides to ruin everything and your standing looking at a white pitch with several inches of snow at 8am on a Saturday morning, I won’t lie it is a lot of emails, messages and phone calls when that happens. Luckily (and hopefully) this only happens a couple of times per season and other fixtures secretaries are in the same boat so we all work together to make it as painless as possible.

What’s the hardest part of the role?

I wouldn’t say any of the role of a fixtures sec is “hard” – I’ve been a captain that had to make tough choices and decisions, that’s hard, but also extremely rewarding too.

Of course when the weather turns and you do have a snow or frost covered pitch, those type of Saturday mornings do need a little patience and composure.

What’s the best part? 

It’s an important role and partly because of the effort and time I put in – 6 men’s teams and 5 ladies teams play every week, there is huge satisfaction in that.

You also get to make some great relationships with other local clubs with their fixtures secretaries, you end up chatting and working with the same person for a few years, we all work together and help each other out, it’s quite nice.

Any advice for people wishing to take on the role? 

It’s a great role if you are quite organised but don’t want the face-to-face interaction and people management that some other club roles have, like a captain, club captain, coach or umpire.

You are quietly working in the background. It isn’t complicated or particularly difficult – and it is a role that can be shared too.

A little bit about the hockey itself…

What stick do you play with?

I used to be a TK person, but I have been using a Princess stick over the last few months and quite like it. I think I’m a bit old fashioned as I like a pretty straight stick, no bow with even weight distribution, which is actually quite hard to find.

What shoes do you play in?

I struggle with Astro’s. I’ve tried lots of makes and models and never felt comfortable. I know it’s bad but I prefer trainers or trail shoes (I have a selection). Yes my feet get totally battered, bruised and sometimes a bit broken, but my legs and back prefer that I wear trainers.

Vital piece of kit you wouldn’t be without?

I hate playing without a bandana and I couldn’t be without my gloves (I wear both left and right).  

Ice packs are up there on the list as I am a tad accident prone, but it’s actually the 3 minute dip in a cold bath when you get home, as awful as it sounds (and it is truly a horrid experience every single time you get in) but it does work for me, it does stop me hurting so much in the days following and helps you recover quicker.

What is your ambition this season?

I’ve been lucky enough to play for all of the Stevenage teams at some point over the last 8 years (although in fairness the few occasions I played in the first team they were super desperate and I was just helping out) and I have enjoyed playing for them all. I really do not mind which team I play for, all the girls in all the teams at SHC are fantastic, they all work hard for each other but I will always want to try to play in the highest team my ability will allow.

This seasons aim – currently I have the fitness of a slug, so I suspect that should be the first thing on the list to work on. Also with the new rules about playing the ball in the air, getting some more 3D skills training would probably be good shout too. 

[Seen and noted 😉]

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Hockey: Simply still playing for one of our lovely teams.  

Work: I am lucky, I love my job. It’s challenging and every day is different, so wouldn’t want to change it too much.

Personally: We are just about to buy our first home (in the next year) so having my own home is probably the main aim for me at the moment

 

Stevenage HC clubhouse is located at Ditchmore Lane, Stevenage, SG1 3LJ. They play and train primarily at Nobel School, Mobbsbury Way, Stevenage, SG2 0HS. They currently have six men’s teams and five ladies teams, a mixed team, and family sessions run at Nobel school on a Sunday. If you fancy picking a stick up and joining in, log onto the website to see training times and dates.(SHC Website)