It is truly a great honour and privilege to be the Chair of Havant Hockey Club.
I would like to extend a hearty thanks to Chris Pickett for his many years of leadership and I’m very pleased that Chris has agreed to continue to work as part of our executive team as we look to build the new facilities we require to provide a solid foundation for our future.
For those of you who don’t know me, I have played hockey for over 40 years at pretty much every level, from junior representative hockey in my teenage years, National League in my twenties all the way to last year enjoying an excellent season with our Masters (Bees) team and Captaining the South Central O50’s Masters team in the England Hockey tournament. I continue to play, coach and umpire so you are sure to see me on the pitch or pitch side supporting our teams.
Our club is thriving on many levels. Like every other club we are still working through life post-covid, but I’m pleased to say our membership and patronage remains strong, and I have already started to look at how we broaden the reach and impact of our club with more social events and activities, which I’m sure will only enhance our on-pitch successes.
It was pleasing to see our Men’s 1st XI gain promotion back into the second echelon of the National League and equally pleasing was the collective spirit and teamwork our Women’s 1st XI demonstrated in a very challenging season. Our Junior section goes from strength the strength, especially with the recent award of our Talent Academy and Talent Centre accreditations by England Hockey, and is the envy of many clubs in our area, not just in the hockey world.
In my short time as Chair, I have been blown away by the commitment of our volunteers and committee members, all of whom are working hard to make Havant not only the best Hockey Club in the UK but also an inclusive and social club where people can forge new friendships, develop new skills and have fun creating life long memories.
I look forward to seeing you all on the pitch, or supporting our Men’s, Women’s and Junior teams, or at one of our social events in the coming season.
Glyn Knaresborough
chair@havanthockeyclub.org.uk
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