The success of Team GB at the Rio Olympics has been good news for hockey on the Island.
Following Great Britain’s superb gold medal in the women’s draw, the number of people contacting the Isle of Wight Hockey Club looking to take part in the sport has rocketed.
The club’s press officer, Simon Butler, said:
“We usually have a similar number of enquiries from people asking about the club and the sport each year as we approach the new season
“Since Team GB won the gold, the number of enquiries from both men and women has increased probably three fold, and we’ve also seen a large increase in the number of people following our Facebook page and enquiring through that platform.
“What is even more satisfying, is many of the enquiries are from people who used to play but haven’t for a while and have been inspired to pick up a stick again. It’s fantastic there is good interest in our club on the back of the Olympics”.
The club offers a free ‘turn up and take part for free’ policy where anyone can simply come along to one of its training sessions and join in for free. They will only ever need to pay a membership fee if they choose to then join the club, and the club offers a large range of membership including full and part season, student and casual.
Training for seniors is held Wednesdays at Smallbrook Stadium in Ryde from 18:30 to 20:00 for both men and womens teams. Junior training takes place at Rew Valley Sports Centre in Ventnor, beginning from 12th September at 18:15 to 20:00. Equipment can be loaned if necessary.
