We have been working our socks off to organise the club and our teams to start what we hope will be a full season of league hockey. We have had to pull our mens 3rd team but we are by no means alone in this. It should allow us to field strongest squads but only if you commit and make yourselves available. More importantly than that though, is that you update that availability on Pitchero – it is a vital tool and leaving dates “not set” is just frustrating and makes it more difficult for us to organise sections as a whole, so support each other in updating and don’t leave it to myself and the captains to chase you. We want to get as many members playing as our squads of up to 16 allow.

We hope you are enjoying training on Mondays and Wednesdays, we want this to be an example of what fun, challenging and rewarding coaching looks like. Your feedback is vital and welcome as Hills & H4UA strive to maximise our potential.
Thursdays is flexible and a mix of abilities but for us all to get involved and keep fresh, so let me and captains know what you want other than small sided gameplay. Introduce a friend or new member to the club in a friendly environment.

Sue is running the Saturday juniors and our assistant coaches and young leaders are incredible, delivering quality fun coaching. If you know any U8 – U12 then get them to come for a taster session so that in 5 years time we have the next youth cohort – Our current youth members are awesome and you should stop to watch them sometime.

As far as our Saturdays are concerned, ensure you have matchday details and have contact numbers in case of difficulty. Be prompt at meet time, remember your kit, play hard, fair and respect both your opposition and umpires at all times. Rose and Eliot are organising the umpiring and are an excellent asset not to be undervalued they are leading our small but excellent group of club umpires. (we do need more so be open to that possibility when asked)

Jan Havermann is heading our safeguarding, her knowledge and understanding is astonishing in a difficult area to operate and sometimes understand. If you are uncertain or concerned about anything then raise it with Jan, a captain, or any committee member for assistance. BUT BE IN NO DOUBT safeguarding is a responsibility of everyone one of us to ensure we provide a positive experience for all. Don’t be afraid to stop a fellow club member from making an error of judgement if you can, they will probably thank you in the long run! Our safeguarding policies will be on the club website if in doubt.
Make sure you locate the changing and toilet facilities as far as they are available …. And use them!

No Smoking on AMVC site and respect the directions of opposition
No dogs on AMVC please.
No spitting on the pitch
No swearing
Be aware of any Covid or health and safety directions required.

Most importantly for us is that our club should not be just about 70 minutes of Saturday hockey – it need not even be always about hockey. Other than it will unquestionably improve a teams’ performance, we have some amazing people in our club and you may not discover that (or indeed be discovered) if you do not get involved. Juniors and seniors alike, make the effort to join your team for a drink and food after the match, try to make training or suggest a plausible alternative. If there is a team or group chat then join in with your thoughts. Stop by and watch a match and support other teams. Suggest a social or fundraising idea and if one is on offer, support it for what it is meant to be - something that makes our club better.

Win lose or draw, we are one team of 7 senior squads plus juniors, equally valuable to the overall success and enjoyment of being part of Bourne Deeping Hockey Club.
Play often, play well, play fair. Be proud and have an excellent and rewarding 2021/22 season.
Pete