News in detail
11/9/06 - England 1st Hockey Accredited (press release)
Text Taken form Berkshire sport website:
The season got off to a flying start for Wokingham Hockey Club as they received their nationally acclaimed Clubs 1st accreditation from England Hockey.
They were awarded with the certificate by England player Lisa Wooding, MP John Redwood and Chairman of Wokingham District Council, Councillor Angus Ross at a special ceremony on Sunday 10th September 2006.
England player Lisa Wooding was also there to encourage children to keep up with their interest in the sport and to show off her medal from the Commonwealth Games as an aspiration to the young players.
England player Lisa Wooding was also there to encourage children to keep up with their interest in the sport and to show off her medal from the Commonwealth Games as an aspiration to the young players.
Youth Development Officer of Wokingham Hockey Club, Michele Morris, said: “The parents involved in the club already know how we work hard to support a good environment for the kids but now people who don’t know about us can be assured because of the award.”
The Clubs 1st is a national recognition of clubs that can demonstrate that they are working towards a safe, effective and child friendly hockey environment, and carries with it the Sports England CLUBMARK award which prioritises them for funding from County Sports Partnerships.
Commending the club on their hard work, Mr. Redwood said: “Some of you may be like me and just be people who enjoy sport and play to a reasonable level, but some of you will go on and hopefully bring back a Commonwealth medal like Lisa in years to come.”
Mrs. Morris also took the opportunity to ask the Wokingham politicians when the club could expect a new pitch as the current one is now in need of replacement.
Cllr Ross said: “I cannot make any promises about the pitch but we realise how much use it has and that does help in making us realise the need for a new one.”
Mr. Redwood added: “I will help you badger the local council to make sure in the future you have all the facilities you need.”
There are proposals for a small football stadium to be built at their home ground, Cantley Park , and it is believed that the council is waiting for the stadium to be approved before committing to the new hockey pitch as extra funding will be available because the pitch is also used by the local football clubs.
Mrs. Morris said: “It seems to me the council is waiting so they can put in our new pitch at the same time they build the stadium but I’m against the new stadium because there is just no room for any more cars at Cantley.”
Chairman of the club, John Barlow, added: “Although the stadium would be a great opportunity, it would only be practicable if they stay true to the proposals of the extra parking and better changing facilities.”
The club also had its annual Open Day earlier in September with club members, new members and friends and families all thoroughly enjoying the day and the facilities in teir newly refurbished (and very swish looking) club house. Members of the club spent many days and nights over the Summer ripping out the old decor and fitting the new.
17/8/06 - 6's Tournament
The day started of with the opening games of the tournament with a break at lunch for everyone to take on some fuel and admire the spanking new club house, plus a hit the traditional "hit form the halfway ine", which was won by Ali Dance. After lunch was the final rounds and then the knockout final. The teams were a number selected from ex-players, new players, and all young and old. The Ambulance men (and women) won at the final in a closely contested game.
The tournament was a great success, we had a number of new members show up and we all had a sing song on the karaoke machine. Many thanks to Beccy Slater for organising everything it was a really well prepared and a fun day had by all.
6's Tournament
In true Wokingham tradition we are going to kick off (or push back) the start of the season with a 6's Tournament and Open day.
Come down meet the club members and join in on the fun. If you would like to play in the tournament drop Beccy Slater an email We have games, BBQ, Live music (still to be confirmed), plenty of refreshments for those both young and old, plus you can see our newly decorated Club house - wooooooooo!!!.
It all starts at 12 noon on 2nd September
16/07/06 - Sport Relief
On Saturday 15th July Wokingham Hockey Club joined in the efforts to raise money for Sport Relief. Over 40 of the clubs members and their friends and relatives ran their own Sport Relief Mile at Cantley Sports Ground.
A final figure for donations will not be known until all sponsorship forms and monies have been collected but initial figures have already exceeded expectations and they hope to raise more than a thousand pounds.
Runners of all ages took part with some going the extra mile and dressing up in costumes ranging from clowns and jesters to Elvis.
Wokingham Hockey Club is also looking for new players and coaches for next season and is holding an Open Day on Saturday 2nd September. So if you are interested in finding out more about the club visit their website at www.wokingham-hc.co.uk or call 0118 978 0087.
England 1st Hockey Accredited
From Natasha Ellis (Development Administrator, England Hockey)
It is my great pleasure to inform you that following an independent Nominated Officer visit and subsequent verification of your club assessment file, Wokingham Hockey Club has been recognised as working towards providing a Safe, Effective and Child Friendly club environment, and as such has been awarded the England Hockey Clubs 1st Accreditation.
Your details will also be forwarded to Sport England who will award a Clubmark accreditation. Clubmark is the generic award for 32 sports and is a nationally recognised accreditation.
England Hockey is committed to supporting the development of safe, effective and child friendly clubs. On behalf of England Hockey I would like to thank you for your clubs dedication in this area.
Congratulations and well done for all your hard work in submitting the application.