FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have summer hockey, and how does it work for new people?
Summer hockey is open to all whether existing members, or potential new members.
We have a ladies team entered into a ‘friendly’ league, regular friendly mixed matches and weekly 7 a-side mixed hockey at the club grounds on a Wednesday.
The only charge for summer hockey is the cost of pitch hire really, so about £5 per match, or £2 for the Wednesday evening games.
Is there training over the summer, including fitness?
There is no summer training, although fitness training is organised from early July on a weekly basis, again £2 cost.
How much does membership cost?
The annual subs for 2010/11 are £245, which is reduced to £230 if paid before 31st Oct, plus there is a one off joining fee of £50 for new members.
Weekly match fees are approximately £7
When do I have to make a decision/pay by?
Summer hockey is open to all, and a great way to get a feel for the club. 31st October is the deadline for payment of subs to ensure being selected for matches, and to qualify for discount
What kit do I need?
Shorts/skirt, black hockey socks, astroturf boots (or trainers), and a hockey stick. Shinpads and a mouthguard are highly recommended, and necessary for the insurance cover the club provides.
A black numbered shirt for league games (preferably a club one, but we know sometimes splashing out on kit can be hard), and just general sports clothing for training.
Do I need official kit to train in/play summer hockey?
Absolutely not, as long as you are wearing the same colour as your team mates, that’s all you need.
What levels are the teams and does it matter if I haven’t played since school?
On the Mens side, the 1XI are pushing for promotion into South 1st XI Premier League Division 2, whilst the 8XI just missed out on promotion from MBBO Open Div 10 East. Which means we have former international players and those that have never played club hockey before.
On the Ladies side, the 1XI play in South Div 3A, and are well structured and competitive. At the other end of the scale, although equally structured, our 6XI play in Middlesex Div 4 and have a number of players who have never played before, or not played since school.
Hopefully, that means there’s something to suit everyone.
When do you play matches?
All league matches are played on a Saturday at various times. Summer games are often mid-week
When do you train?
L4s, L5s and L6s train on a Monday night, 8-10pm
L1s, L2s and L3s train on a Tuesday night, 8-10pm
M1s, M2s and M3s train on a Wednesday night, 8-10pm
M4s, M5s, M6s, M7s and M8s train on a Thursday night, 8-10pm
Each team has their own coach, and train as a squad.
How long does the season last?
The regular league season runs from the start of September to around the end of March/start of April.
What is Open Day?
Open Day is our welcome back/welcome to the club day. We organise a 7/8 a-side mixed tournament at our home pitches, randomly putting people into teams to help introduce new members to the club, give existing members a chance to meet more people, and everyone a day to get back into the way of things.
After the hockey, we return to the clubhouse to have a BBQ, often catch some of the last cricket of the year, and then have a big party in the clubhouse that night – again all aimed to introduce people and make everyone feel welcome in the club.
When is Open Day?
Open Day is normally held on the first Saturday of September each year (It is due to be held on 4th Sept this year)
How are teams selected?
This season all non-league matches in September will be used to form the basis of selction on both the mens and womens sides. We have established good communication between coaches and captains to ensure that players are selected for the appropriate team based on their standard and availability.
The team that someone plays for in their first weeks at the club isn’t necessarily the only team they’ll ever play for; players can move up and down squads throughout the season – we prefer to play as a club, rather than as a group of teams under the same name.
Further information can be found in the Club Selection Policy
What’s the social life like?
Fantastic. Brilliant. Constant. These are only a few of the words we use to describe it. With 6 ladies teams and 8 mens teams, there is always someone to share a beer with of a Saturday evening, and plenty of other times too. There are organised club socials every month, a fantastic end of season black tie dinner, and plenty of team based socials going to keep even the most sociable person busy. Add into that the summer tours, and you have a perfect social life cleverly disguised as a healthy sport.
Where is the club?
The clubhouse is on Lymington Road, West Hampstead, and members are entitled to use of it’s facilities every Saturday (and more during the summer).
Where are the pitches?
All home matches and training take place at Whitefields School, Claremont Road, which is about a 10minute drive from the clubhouse.
How do I get to the club/pitch?
Directions and transport links can be found in the About Us section
