A quick update from our Chairman Marcel van Eldik reflecting on this season and looking ahead to next…
We hope you are enjoying your summer hockey or even a break from hockey.
We’ve had a terrific season on and off the pitch, and we have exciting times ahead. We are making some changes to make next season better for everyone. I thought I would use this opportunity to update you on summer and planning for next season.
The club will build on the brilliant success of Ladies 1s and Men’s 5s for 2018/19 and that’s the focus at all levels. We aim to help as many of the teams as possible to gain promotion in 2018-19.
London Wayfarers will continue to offer the best mix of competitive and social hockey, and players have the choice. At the top end we have a great opportunity to push for National League and we are making some changes to help us achieve that. But we also understand how important it is to have a great time on Saturdays with mates.
Preparations for 2018/19
We will continue to provide great coaches next season and training once a week (plus clinics) with opportunities to continue playing with friends as we know how valuable that is to you.
We are a South West London hockey club and that will continue to be the case. There is a London-wide shortage in available pitches on our preferred training evenings and match days but we will make sure venues are accessible for people from Clapham, Battersea, Streatham and surrounding areas. We will also continue to work hard to get more slots where we can.
Playing hockey this summer
Back to Hockey is running on Monday evenings, 9-10pm at Battersea Park, until the first week of July. Format is simple, couple of drills followed by 7-a-side games. Come down if you would like to join in. There are also several competitions and festivals too if you would like to get involved in those.
Pre-season
From the first week of July we start with summer hockey for the top teams and new recruits at Battersea Park on Monday evenings, 8.30 – 10pm.
In August we will have our trials followed by the Club Day in September where we bring everyone together for a mixed festival to kick off the season.
Training dates, venues and coaches are currently being looked at and we will finalise these in the coming weeks but most teams will be starting regular pre-season in August/first week of September.
Recruitment
We would like to have all of our teams at full strength from September onwards. It will make it so much better for everyone. Please invite friends, family and colleagues to join London Wayfarers. Spread the word, most of our new senior members are mates from university or work.
We are consolidating in the senior section this upcoming season which means no new teams but focus on recruiting extra players, improving team performances and your hockey experience.
COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
There are many opportunities for you to get involved and help run this club. Separate comms will go out very soon but if you can’t wait to get involved just drop me ([email protected]) or Joy ([email protected]) a line.
Busy times at London Wayfarers ‘HQ’ with some exciting developments (in the pipeline) and I thought it would be nice to update you on a few of those ahead of the AGM and next season. There’s lots more to come with plenty of announcements over the summer about our club strategy, new partnerships, more hockey, coaching appointments, kit, etc.
Keep an eye on our social media and do join us at the AGM on Monday 2 July, 7.30pm at the Draft House.
Hopefully see you there.
Marcel