Leicester Hockey Club
I’m not going to tell you about Leicester Hockey Club, (based at Great Glen). I am leaving that to some of the parents of our junior players to tell you their thoughts on their children’s experience at the club.
A father wrote to say:
“Our son joined in 2020, as he knew the quality of the coaching and playing for the 4th team was a great entry point. Later on he got selected for the 3rd team and enjoyed the trips to away matches. He gradually progressed in terms of speed, skills and the quality and competitiveness of matches. He is the first person in our family to be involved in hockey. The club provided an invaluable outlet, not least from a social aspect – curry and quiz nights, socials, summer 7’s, and physical training in the park.
It is great that the club gives people a chance to move up as soon as their ability allows this to safely occur. This ensures that the club has a steady number of rounded young players gradually ready to compete at higher levels. The fact that some of the club’s youngsters have gone on to play international hockey is a testament to that.
As he matured, our son was given a chance to captain the side. This made him think about strategy, managing players’ emotions, interacting with umpires, organising the post-match refreshments, etc. All of which helped him develop a whole range of important, transferable life skills. These will stand him in good stead when he goes off to university and thereafter.
As parents, we appreciate what the club has done for our son. It is transparent in the way it is run. They seek feedback. It is very well organised and promotes disciplined fitness and competitive sport. It organises fun social events, and is very inclusive for all ages and abilities. And it has been running for 140 years; which says something about its qualities.”
A mother wrote to say:
“Her daughter’s hockey journey started in PE lessons at school and she joined Leicester Hockey Club at a junior level soon after. She was part of a young squad, with others from different schools, all learning and exchanging the skills, tips and tricks from the coaches. The opportunity to travel to other clubs meant playing in unfamiliar settings but with our close knit team, she soon overcame any nerves. Now we have progressed to the under 18s and we have our ‘hockey family’. The bond in training and matches is amazing. We are there to support each other before and after matches, and to enjoy social events. I believe that we are so lucky to be at a forward thinking club that encourages young players to not only develop their hockey but also to have a go at umpiring and coaching so that they are developing themselves as people.”
Finally, another mother wrote:
“The club has created a supportive environment that emphasises personal growth, teamwork, and character development. It is setting the foundation for both athletic success and personal well-being. Our children have had some great mentors at the club who, beyond teaching the game’s skills, have instilled values of discipline, perseverance, and teamwork. It is great to see that they want to keep playing more and more. They never come up with any excuses when it comes to going to hockey!!
I am very biased in favour of hockey. Whilst I like to win matches, receiving such feedback from parents is surely the greatest victory.
Interested? Please contact us via www.leicesterhockeyclub.com/contact
Dave Standish (Chair)
Kibworth Harcourt Parish Council
