BROMSGROVE Hockey Club are looking towards a bright future, after recent success for the club is being matched by the big ambitions of all involved at St. Godwald’s Road.
The club, which operates 11 men’s and women’s teams in all, has recently added a sixth ladies team to its ranks, building on the growing success and inclusivity for players in the local community.
With the hockey club fielding sides ranging from the ages of six, to 96, including a number of social teams that focus on getting former players back into playing the sport they love, a mixed veterans team and a walking hockey side – there is no shortage of opportunity for keen players in the area.
And with a number of events set to take place at Bromsgrove Hockey Club going into the summer, following the culmination of the winter seasons, the club urge players – young and old, to get involved with the numerous opportunities available at the club.
Evidencing the progress that is being made at BHC is the news that the England mixed hockey team are set to train at the club’s facilities in June, and will take on a Bromsgrove XI as part of their visit on June 23.
Following that is a mixed hockey festival that invites the best local sides to Bromsgrove for a seven-a-side tournament a week later, where the club will battle it out against teams such as Pershore, Harborne, Barford Tigers and Bourneville for a laid-back, fun afternoon of hockey.
And on the final Saturday in August, a Hockey 4 Heroes event featuring former internationals is also set to be hosted at the club.
The ‘Warriors Day’ – as it has been named, will feature men’s, women’s and mixed games, all in support of raising money for Help the Heroes, alongside training sessions offered to younger children who are willing to take part.
For a club which has only had a pitch available to them for two years, they continue to take leaps and bounds forward in the right direction.
As fixtures secretary at the club, Julie Fielden puts it, “Walking hockey started in Bromsgrove, and has now gone worldwide, so it’s fitting that we’re beginning to make a real impact in the community with our walking hockey side and all of the other teams that we field during the season.
“We’re getting to the stage where we’re outgrowing the use of one pitch and realistically need another to host all of our teams, so we are currently looking at our options for a new pitch.”
The club’s mens second XI recently finished their South West 1 season as runners-up, earning promotion in the process, having only lost four games all season.
Captain Harry Meads commented on the achievement by the club, and is already looking forward to Bromsgrove’s place in South West Premier next season.
“After a slow start to the season, the team pulled itself together to go on a 14 game unbeaten run – scoring 47 goals and conceding just eight since Christmas.
“I am incredibly proud of what this team has achieved together, and can’t wait to see what challenges the next season has in store for us”.
The ladies first-team meanwhile are second in Division 1 going into the final fixture of the season at home to leaders Worcester – where they could potentially lift the title with a convincing win on Saturday.
Bromsgrove’s junior sides have also impressed this season, with the club winning all four categories in the boys and girl’s U10’s and U12’s events at the County In2 Junior Hockey finals at Stourport Hockey Club recently.
It is a vindication of the specialised training that young players receive at the club on a regular basis, and the opportunities that are afforded to them through schemes such as Badgers hockey – a mixed hockey league in which the club partakes in.
Club chairman Andy Potter has spoken of the importance on ensuring quality coaching to enable the best youth development of the club’s players.
“Since building our own pitch in 2017, we have looked to build the strength of our Junior section by increasing the match play for all players whilst ensuring quality coaching is available.
“Our performance at the County tournament proves the success of our plan and we will ensure we re-double our efforts for the 2019/2020 season.”
For all things ongoing at the club, be sure to drop BHC a like or a follow on the following platforms:
Facebook: Bromsgrove Hockey Club
Twitter: @BromsgroveHC
Website: www.bromsgrovehockey.org.uk
And by phone number on: 01527 878252
