Tower and Town, February 2020 (view the full edition)Marlborough Hockey Club JuniorsMarlborough Hockey Club has been running a junior section for nearly 30 years, seeing it grow from strength to strength. Taking children from ages 7 to 18, the club aims to engender a fun environment while developing players of the future, be they good club players through to those who play in the England Hockey Player Pathway. The hockey club has been fortunate in its close relationship with Marlborough College, both through use of the fantastic pitches and facilities to a number of the staff coaching on Sunday mornings. A number of staff play in senior teams and over the years we have been pleased that some of the college students have also played for the club. Without the support of the College the club would not have been able to grow and accommodate the number of children who wish to play especially following the fabulous 2012 London Olympics. The season following this saw the junior section double in size. Numbers have continued to be strong with approximately 300 under 18's taking part in training and matches each week. Training sessions have moved on from just Sunday mornings to the older age groups training on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, with many also joining in with senior training and going on to represent the club in senior league teams. The hockey club works hard to support how we coach the children and is active in coach development through courses and this year putting on a development programme with England Hockey. This also encompasses the support of young leaders and Duke of Edinburgh award volunteers, many of whom continue to help coach the younger players after they have completed their awards. All our coaches, umpires and committee members are volunteers. We are incredibly lucky that they invest so much of their time. There has also been success for a number of our children who have gone on to represent the club at County and Regional level and ultimately at the England Hockey Futures Cup. The hockey club looks forward to many more years playing on the blue pitches and the enjoyment of young players learning the sport of hockey. Get in touch with sarah@lawntender.co.uk to join. Sarah Kendall |