Havant Hockey Club – Men’s Section
Objectives 2012-13: Develop top class players, return to the Premier Division, and provide enjoyable hockey.
Havant Hockey Club provides teams focused on the development of top class players, as well as teams focused on providing good quality enjoyable hockey. All teams are competitive. We play to win. We recognise that hockey is also about being sociable in the club house after a game, a hot tea and a few drinks, with some healthy hockey banter make a successful club.
Havant 1st XI is in EHL Men’s Conference West Division. Our objective is to return to the Premier Division. The team is “professional” with a dedicated coach and manager, training twice per week, and players are expected to be committed to the success of the team. Home games often have a 100 plus spectators to encourage the team.
The 2nd XI players are top quality players including a number eager to gain a 1st XI place. The 2nd XI play in Hampshire/Surry Regional Division 1. The team trains with the 1st XI one evening a week under its dedicated 2nd XI coach and manager. It keeps the 1st XI players on their toes!
The 3rd XI consists of a number of ex 1st and 2nd XI players who now play more for enjoyment as opposed to competing at the top level. The team plays in the open Hampshire Area – Division 1 league and therefore Havant 3rd XI play against 1st and 2nd XI teams from certain other clubs in Hampshire. Training is available on a Wednesday evening for interested players.
The 4th XI, called the Hares, is our young development squad, aged 16 plus. The team includes three experienced players, who have played 1st XI hockey in their hay day. The level 2 coach plays with the team on Saturdays and coaches the team once a week. The team is a joy to watch. The ball skills are amazing. It demonstrates the great future talent progressing through the club. Many of the players have been developed via Havant Junior Section from the age of six.
The 5th and 6th XI both play in Hampshire Open League Division 6 and 7 respectively. The teams consist of mature non vet players plus young up and coming players. There is considerable fluidity between the various teams as Havant has a wealth of players wishing to play at this level. Players are expected to be good “club men” and play where selected.
Veterans Hockey. Havant has three veteran teams, the HobNobs ( 1st XI vets), the Bees ( 2nd XI vets) and the Cavaliers. The HobNobs and Bees both play in Wessex Masters, Division 1 and 2 respectively. The Cavaliers play in the Wessex Supervets Alliance which is a competitive set of teams for 50 plus youngsters.
If you want to play for Havant then I am sure there is a team that meets your desire for competition and enjoyment.
Brian English
Men’s Club Captain
