September and October saw the return of all senior men, senior ladies, BUCS and junior sections to the pitch, participating in isolated groups of no more than 30 in keeping with NGB guidelines. It has been a rollercoaster ride, where we progressed to phase 3, regressed to phase 2 in line with the local lockdown, and then returned to phase 3 prior to the fire-break.
During this time, the club managed a large number of achievements, including the commencement of the national league, men’s club training recorded attendance in excess of the previous season, ladies’ senior training groups totalled in excess of 100 members and student training groups totalled 130+. Furthermore, the junior academy recommenced, with a total of 70+ juniors attending weekly. The total of 350+ players participating across the environment means that generally, we have seen an increase in people attending hockey sessions to date, which is fantastic news! We acknowledge this is the start of a long and likely turbulent season, and we hope you will share in our patience, remain connected, and contribute to Cardiff & Met HC as we work through circumstances as they arise. The next step is to turn training session attendance into membership, committing to our Club for the 2020-21.
Away from the pitch, we were able to launch the club strategy for 2020-25 and Cardiff’s 10Cs – a set of core values providing an unwavering guide to help Cardiff & Met HC determine the right path to fulfil its vision, purpose and objectives. These are now also available to view on the website. We also launched our re-brand – a revitalised, refreshed and realigned visual presence across our platforms in keeping with the traditions of Roath Hockey Club and Cardiff Athletic Club, while embracing changes to the club in recent years. We continue with this work, seeking to develop the long-lost club handbook for each member that outlines the cornerstones of our club, its governance and our proud history. Further, as the club grows and sections align, we aim to consider whether the existing committee structures are fit for purpose and operating efficiently to deliver our club strategy and operations.
Despite the progress throughout September and October, we enter November with no on-pitch hockey activity, but are hopeful that following the 9th November we can pick up where we left off. As coaches, players and committees we are now more familiar with the challenges we face at an operational and strategic level, and remain committed to ensuring safe participation, value for membership and training fit to prepare you for league games.
We are awaiting Welsh Government and Hockey Wales guidance to allow participation in the West Leagues (Men) when they recommence, as well as information regarding the commencement of the South Wales Women’s League in January. Hockey Wales’ competitions committee have confirmed the intention for competitions as follows:
- Indoor cancelled
- Championship knock-out competition planned
- Trophy cancelled
- Challenge cancelled
- Masters to be advised
- U18s knock-out competition planned
- U15s knock-out competition planned
- U15 Girls Plate to be advised
- U13s to be advised
- U11s to be advised
While we await updates and life beyond the fire-break, stay in contact with your coaches and keep an eye on social media to ensure you are informed ahead of the recommencement of club activity from the 9th November, NGB permitting. Thank you for your ongoing understanding, contribution and commitment to the club. Stay safe, stay healthy and connected to those around you as we eagerly anticipate the return of Hockey.