2021 / 2022 Season is Underway!

It feels like we have faced an unusual number of issues at the start of this season, but these are largely now resolved and it is great to be able to focus on providing the players with opportunities to train and play hockey. Last weekend saw the first league games for some of our teams and we are delighted to report a clean sweep of victories! More importantly, it was a reminder of what we are about – children playing hockey, and not administrative quagmires!!

As we move forward, we hope that there will be more playing opportunities than ever. The EH Cup first round takes place this coming weekend for our U14-U18 teams, the league programme for all teams continues on 17th October and our fixtures secretary is working hard to fill any free weekends with friendly fixtures.

We have several new volunteers to various roles this season. Our thanks go out to all of our volunteers for the contributions that you make to keep the club running smoothly and helping us to deliver safe, competitive hockey for all our youngsters.

Tim Lander

Under 16A Girls

Vs South Berks - Won 2-1

Scorers: Vivien Scriminger, Lexi Montgomery

Our U16 girls have had a great start to the season, with training well attended and a strong spirit building in the squad. The girls have bonded well with new head coach, Neil Souter, and have quickly developed a strong supportive teamwork on the pitch. Many of the girls are playing at a high level within the ladies’ section, and this is evident in their developing skills.

On Sunday the first test of this was passed with flying colours, with a hard-fought win in the opening league match of the season. South Berks are a strong team, who had come to Winchester a couple of years ago at U14 level and beaten the Winchester girls in the EH Cup, in a very close encounter. This time the tables were turned. Goals from Scriminger and Montgomery established a comfortable lead, before South Berks pulled one goal back with the last play of the game.

The girls and coaches were delighted to kick the season off with a morale boosting win.

Talent Development Squad

After a late change of venue, the Talent Development Squad training sessions have restarted at Wellington Sports Ground under the guidance of Richard Penrose, our Junior Section Director of Coaching. As a reminder, this group is open to our talented and high potential players, as identified by the age group head coaches. It aims to provide an opportunity for these players to strengthen their basic hockey skills in a high-performance environment. We are running the sessions as a series of 6-week blocks. If you are not currently involved, and would like to be considered for the next block, please discuss with your head coach.

Indoor Hockey

We are fortunate to have been invited by King Edward’s School to participate in an indoor hockey initiative this season for girls and boys U14 and U16 teams. This is being organised by the school and we, along with other local clubs, have been participating in a weekly round robin league programme. The players who have taken part have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and taken great strides in their skills and game understanding.

Training Schedule

Under 8 (mixed)

Sunday 9:00-10:30 (weekly) at Kings School

Under 10 (mixed)

Sunday 10:30-12:00 (weekly) at Kings School

U12 girls

Sunday 9:30-11:00 (weekly) at Bar End

By invitation: Tuesday 18:30-20:00 (weekly) at Kings School

U12 boys

Tuesday 18:30-20:00 (weekly) at Kings School

U14 girls

Friday 19:00-20:30 (weekly) at Bar End

U14 boys

Friday 19:00-20:30 (weekly) at Kings School

U16 girls

Wednesday 20:00-21:30 (weekly) at Kings School

U16 boys

Wednesday 20:00-21:30 (weekly) at Kings School

Training Development Group

Wednesday 19:00-20:30 (weekly) at Wellington Sports Ground