The Club is presently applying for accreditation with Sport England’s Clubmark, which is awarded to clubs by England Hockey when the club is able to demonstrate that it meets the criteria with regard to playing programme, child protection, sports equity and ethics and club management. Clubmark is an acknowledgement that we take these issues seriously and that we are striving to provide a high quality and welcoming environment for young participants in hockey.

We welcome parents to all training sessions and competitions and value your support. We are keen to try and involve parents in the club and if you would like more information about this do not hesitate to ask one of the coaching team. Below is some more information about training times, dates, kit and club registration.

What does a newcomer need to know?

• Players should be suitably clothed for all coaching sessions and matches – shorts / skirt / tracksuit trousers + suitable shirt / sweatshirt / fleece. Club kit is available to purchase – see separate kit form.  Shin guards are essential and all players are advised to wear a mouth guard. Trainers, if not specially designed for astroturf should have a good grip and laces should be tied up sufficiently tightly so as to support the foot and help get a good grip on the pitch. Football boots or any other studded boots may not be worn. Anyone with long hair should wear it in such a way as to keep it off their face (e.g. bandana / ponytail).
• Don’t bring valuables – but if you have to, make sure you give it in and collect it at the end.
• Arrangements should be made for your son / daughter to travel to and from training sessions and matches. We appreciate if players can arrive promptly and are collected promptly at the end of each session if they are not making their own way home. If you are going to be late picking up your son / daughter please contact one of the coaches
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  A limited number of sticks are available to borrow, but you should bring your own stick if you have one. We are happy to advise as to what weight and length of stick is suitable and it will be possible to buy a stick through the Club. Any child is welcome to give the game a try (i.e. first session is free and without commitment), but every child who attends regularly will be required to pay a subscription for the season. Details of subscription rates are included in the first newsletter which can be collected, together with a “welcome pack”, when attending the club for the first time.
• The club also runs a bursary scheme for those who need assistance in covering the cost of the subscription – please speak directly to Marilyn with regard to this.
• “Home” matches may be played at JAGS or at Alleyn’s.  We have to rely on parents to assist with transport to “away” matches and we would be most grateful if parents would let us know when they are willing to occasionally assist with transport. We are also keen to recruit parents who would like to help with other aspects of the Club e.g. team manager, social events, umpiring, doing tea & coffee or registration duty etc.