With the second half of the season underway I thought it would be a good time to update our membership on activities both on and off the pitch. It has been a busy first half of the season with over 800 members back playing hockey freely which has been wonderful to observe.
On the pitch the new England Hockey League structure started in September for the adult section. We always knew it would be a time to work out if we had each team in the right league, so it is no surprise that some are excelling and some are having a tougher time. COVID hasn’t helped with consistency in availability but that’s the same for all clubs. The Men’s 1s have had a solid start to the season, sitting mid table and it has been fantastic to see crowds of 130+ watching our home games including an appearance from Sir Turtle. Their aim is for a top three finish so please do come and support them. The Ladies 1s are also pushing for promotion having won their last eight games on the bounce. They sit second in their league as do the Stormers and Warriors. The Men’s 2s, Barnstormers and Ladies 4s are all in the 3rd place too so eyeing promotion.
Our Juniors have had cup action with mixed results and the U14 girls showing their commitment as they travelled all the way to Cirencester. The Men’s Over 40s remain in their cup competition and we wish them every success.
A new milestone was achieved in early December as the Junior section fielded its first indoor teams in the girls U16s and U18s London League competition. For many it was the first time playing the indoor form of the game and a great experience. The Men’s 1s also entered their respective league and used it as an opportunity to bring through a number of our junior players, some of whom were with OCHC Juniors when it was established.
I’m hopeful new restrictions won’t be imposed but there is always the possibility and if changes do come along we will update you as soon as any guidance is issued by England Hockey.
Best wishes to all for a healthy 2022.
Helen Hawes, OCHC Club Captain
Junior Section
It’s been a jam- packed first half of the season for our Junior section. With 550 players and 85+ volunteer coaches to support our team of pro-coaches. We’ve seen new members pick up a stick for the first time, through to Juniors playing adult Saturday league hockey for the first time.
For many of our younger players, this has been their first experience of hockey and there has been a lot of fun as well as all important stick skill development happening at OCs early on a Sunday morning. Our Goalkeepers also have dedicated professional training twice a week so if your child is interested in pulling on the kit and being the final part of the defence then please let us know.
Once players reach the U10s age group they’ll be involved in matches every 2-3 weeks. We’ve hosted over 10 Mega League tournaments for 75+ players at a time across our 3 pitches and visited teams from Bromley to Cirencester, recording some fantastic results, learning a lot and very ready to take on the second half of the season.
We commenced our Duke of Edinburgh Award volunteering programme with over 30 juniors members taking part weekly to support Sunday coaching and umpiring across the club. They make a valuable contribution to our coaching teams.
As eluded to by our Club Captain we also saw our first ever Junior Indoor Hockey team take to the arena. We will continue to develop an Indoor programme across the junior section.
As ever, none of this would be possible without our wonderful army of volunteer coaches and parent helpers. You really do make a huge difference and we can’t thank you enough.
Gavin Adair, OCHC Juniors Chairman
A Brighter Future
Thank you to all those members (incl. parents / guardians) who were able to contribute to the new Flood Lights through last year’s subscription fees and to the OC Society. The old lights were nearly 30 years old so in need of a much needed upgrade. For the full story click here
Land Acquisition – What Next?
At the end of August the OC Society announced the acquisition of the land next door to the OC Club, which most of us know as Weston Green. By way of short update the OC Society requested OC Rugby Club and OC Hockey Club submit their strategy plans by the end of 2021 for review. The aim is to work alongside each other to create a joined-up plan for the future, which encompasses the growth strategies of all the consistent clubs. By pulling in the same direction we can build a future campus fit for all and ensuring resources are focused on what’s needed. More details will follow in due course.
Match Reports, Fixtures, Results & Tables – Saturday Adult Leagues
For those that want to keep updated on the latest Saturday Adult league shenanigans then all the information is available on our website. Weekly match reports are available in the News section and the latest fixtures, results and table available here.
What’s the score please?
Too many times that phrase has been used as people arrive at the main OC club house as a match is in mid flow. Thanks to the huge generosity of the Cayman Islands that question is now easily answered with our new high tech LED scoreboard. With lots of willing volunteers around the club we are aiming to have it operational for all matches on a Saturday and Sunday.
Games Management System
A reminder to all those playing league hockey on a Saturday, whether young or old, you are required to sign-up to the Games Management System. So players or parents / guardians please help your Captains and get signed up before your next league game. For all the details click here.
Sponsorship
Thank you to all our Sponsors so far this year… Macai, Cayman Islands, Game Plan, Maurten and Gryphon Hospitality. We’re always grateful to them as their contribution allow us to go that little bit further providing additional items (i.e. coaching equipment, bibs, sport physio/nutrition) across the whole of the club. We offer a range of sponsorship options from £500 upwards so if you’re interested in supporting OC Hockey or advertising your business getting in touch with ochcsponsorship@gmail.com.
#watchyour1s
If you have managed to make any of the Men’s 1s games under the lights this season you will know it’s not just top flight hockey that is available to watch. There is also plenty of side-line entertainment including many hockey giveaways from sticks, OC club kit and last time there was a chance to win a holiday to the Caymans! So be sure to make it to the games. The next key date for your diary is 12th February when we have a double header as both the Ladies 1s (2.30pm) and Men’s 1s (5pm) play at home. For those aspiring players both matches will be a great watch and support is always welcomed by the players.
Interested in Umpiring?
We have a superb group of umpires that support our teams each week both on a Saturday and Sunday but we could always do with more, especially for our Junior squads. If you’ve thought about supporting your child’s games in another way or you’re a junior keen to learn but unsure what’s involved then get in touch with us at joinochc@oldcranleighan.com . We can provide umpire training, including the rules, through England Hockey’s online programme. Plus more practical support, observation and feedback is available from our qualified umpires.
OCHC Kit
As a short reminder all OC playing kit and outerwear (even for supporters) is available via this link. We politely request that when playing matches both at the adult and junior level that full playing kit is worn. All juniors must also bring their Cayman’s bibs which have been provided. If you have any queries then please email ochckit@gmail.com.