The sport of hockey on the Isle of Wight has an even brighter future with news that the Isle of Wight Hockey Club is expanding to include new ladies and junior teams.
Until recently, the Island had three separate clubs running – the Isle of Wight Hockey Club, Vectis Ladies and Solent Juniors.
However, in a landmark move, both the Vectis Ladies and Solent Juniors have joined the Isle of Wight Hockey Club to become one ‘super club’ that will effectively double in size and operate several teams this coming season.
The aim is to run three senior men’s teams, two senior ladies teams and a boys and girls under 14 junior section as well as an Under 12 girls team.
Clive Green, IW Hockey Club Chairman, said the move is not only good for the sport, but gives parents and potential new players a simple choice. He said “The IW Hockey Club is delighted to welcome both the Vectis Ladies and the Solent Juniors.”
“Beforehand, if anyone was considering playing hockey this year, they may not have been sure which team to join as all three organisations offered different levels and types of hockey.”
“Now, under one single club, there is a simple choice and we can also provide greater resources to existing members and potential new players. It is very exciting that all the hockey talent and expertise on the Island will now be under one club, which is of great benefit for future of the sport here.”
Koo Janzen ran the successful Solent Juniors and is now part of the Committee of the Isle of Wight Hockey Club and is looking forward to the future.
“It makes sense to bring all the Island’s hockey set-ups under one club. We could have carried on separately but coming together means we can all work as one to bring through developing talent and build for the future.”
“We have some very talented young players on the Island, some are even sponsored by major hockey manufacturers, and by joining all together under the Isle of Wight, they can develop from the moment they pick up a stick all the way through to the first team.”
The Isle of Wight Hockey Club will now also run two ladies teams after the Vectis Ladies joined the club. Nicky Richardson forms part of the new-look committee for the Isle of Wight Hockey Club and said “It is a very exciting time for the sport
on the Island and it is great we can now all work together and hopefully enjoy success as one club.
“We will probably have close to 100 playing members once the new season gets underway in September which will mean we’ll become one of the biggest sporting clubs on the Island.”
The club has announced that seniors training (over 14s) for both men and women will begin on Wednesday 17 August between 7pm – 9pm at Smallbrook Stadium’s astro pitch and will be held every Wednesday after then.
Junior training (under 14s) will begin from Monday 12 September between 6pm – 7’30pm again at Smallbrook. A minibus for junior players can also be made available to youngsters who live in the south of the Island.
All the new teams will play in the Isle of Wight Hockey Club’s dark blue colours and will bear the Deep Design logo, which are the club’s official sponsor.
Anyone interested in joining the club can do so by contacting the club via its website www.iowhockey.co.uk or by simply turning up on one of the training evenings.
The club also offers sponsorship on many levels for local businesses, including website links starting from just £10.
