Time flies, it seems like only yesterday we were at Fynn Valley celebrating the end of the season but somehow, it’s August 1st, summer league is over, we’re in full pre-season mode and my word there is a lot happening. We’ll update you over the coming weeks on some of our latest news but I’ll start today with an update on our facilities, training times and season dates.

Facilities

The tireless efforts of your committee, new and old, are paying off and as a type a new car park is being laid. This is no small investment and the car park will be larger than the current footprint allowing us to fit everyone in on match days and training days. We are also replacing the gate, and installing new fencing for the pitch path. This is the first step in a wider revamp of the Tuddenham Road site. I can also report that there will not be a padel court installed, instead we can now consider options for the site over the longer term, an activity that is being lead by Sam Edwards. It won’t be decided overnight what will happen but the good news is that we have our hand on the tiller and can actively look all options that support generating income but also keep hockey at the forefront.

Additionally, following last season’s efforts, the clubhouse refurbishment is continuing –the clubhouse is being painted and new furniture is being installed upstairs. You may also be aware that we’ve a problem with water supply that has been going on for some time; this is finally being resolved with the water company albeit it does mean we’ll be without water supply for a few weeks and are having to put portable toilets in place for a few weeks. There is plenty more happening with our facilities but these are the highlights for now – notable mention to James Southgate who’s been working closely with ISC for some time on the site options.

Training and Season Dates

Season start date: 21st September
Club Weekend: September 7th (adults) and September 8th (juniors + adults)
Training: starts for the whole club w/c 2nd Sept. (1st / 2nd XI squads are starting in August and other teams may also start sooner - look out for updates from coaches / captains)
Training slots:

• Monday 1830-2000 W5
• Monday 1900-2030 W1
• Tuesday 1830-2000 M5/M6
• Tuesday 2000-2130 M1/M2
• Wednesday 1830-2000 W3/4
• Wednesday 1900-2030 W1
• Wednesday 2000-2130 W2
• Thursday 1930-2100 M3/M4
• Thursday 2000-2130 M1

That's all for now, more to come tomorrow on appointments of coaches and club leadership.