As a club we are acutely aware that we have players queuing up to play on Saturday and we just don’t have enough playing spaces. There has been a lot of whispered chats about the “f” team but we have to really look at making it a reality. Having a 5th men’s league team would solve the problem of playing spaces but would require people to be committed to a full league season. Playing friendlies is a non starter as all other clubs play in the leagues and in any case it’s too easy to cancel a friendly whereas league games get played.
We would also need a captain, and possibly vice captain ( an easy way to guarantee your selection!). Volunteers make yourself known!! We have 6 keepers in the club so that is less of an issue and they can double up.
When we started a 4th team the rationale was to fulfil every game and help the young players develop. The team was fully supported by the whole men’s section. After a challenging first year we achieved these aims and the 4ths are now thriving. The same criteria would be applied to the 5th team - fulfil all the games, develop all players and, with the full backing of the men’s section give people the opportunity to play competitive hockey. I’m sure Justin will say that at times being captain of what is, on paper, the lowest ranking side has its challenges but the positives significantly outweigh them. The 4ths is where all our youngsters started and look where they are now! For the club to develop we need opportunities for all players to have the opportunity to play regularly and only by having a 5th team can that happen.
This is a positive move for the Club and one that cannot happen without the full backing of the membership. Four years ago we struggled to get three teams out. A move to 5 Saturday teams would show how far we have progressed.
For it to happen we need everyone on board. If you have any questions, or concerns, please ask Barry, Mark or your captain or leave a comment below.