The latest updates and information surrounding a return to hockey as we come out of Lockdown #3, Spring 2021

At the beginning of the month we reported on the return of team sports on March the 29th, as the government’s roadmap out of the third Covid lockdown continues. The club has been meeting and discussing our plans for this time, and they are detailed below, with a view to commencing from March the 30th (the first Tuesday following the return to outdoor, team sports).

At the time of writing, however, the sport is waiting on further guidance from central government on the details covering travel, pitch numbers, indoor facilities, etc. Until England Hockey are provided this guidance, and pass it on, we’re at the mercy of other parties over when we can commence hockey playing.

It is likely, as England Hockey themselves report, that similar / the same restrictions that we had, the last time we were on the pitch, will remain in place.

In the meantime, the club’s plans are as follows, once we are given the go-ahead to play again.

Playing Hockey this Spring

This is the current plan for the weeks ahead…

• Training to continue where we left off
  • Senior Hockey – Tuesdays and Thursdays
  • Academy Hockey – Wednesdays
  • Junior Hockey – Saturday mornings

Later in the Summer

• Junior Hockey to continue, to make up for lost time this season
• Summer League hockey
• Ladies 6s
• Mixed Summer League
• Friday Give it a Go / Family Fun Hockey

Pre-season Hockey, 2021-22 Season

From August 2021 we will look to approach the new hockey season afresh, as any normal season.

Restrictions and Procedures

As well as the expected restrictions of numbers on the pitch, the procedures we were following prior to the last lockdown are likely to continue. This includes pre-booking sessions, session registration, following one-way systems and using plenty of sanitiser.

As the cricket season will be getting underway shortly, hockey players will only have access to the car park that sits directly alongside the astro-turf pitch.

A further announcement will be made when pitch bookings are open.