Mercian Home Counties Colts Leagues

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT FOR 2004-2005 SEASON

This season I am reporting again of one with steady growth and improvements. Our team numbers increased by 10% now up to 110 which is very satisfying and illustrates that Hockey Clubs are keen to develop their young players and organise Colts teams.

The Fixtures Live web Site linked through from our own Mercian Site is proving to be most useful and I hope you, the Clubs, make good use of the information presented. Remember that your own Club Administrator can add further information to give match times, venues and goal scorers. Jeremy Holt has done an excellent job throughout the season on maintaining our Site and is only too happy to give advice to anyone with difficulties.

The climax of the season was again our Finals Day held at Old Loughtonians. We are grateful to Martin Williams and his team of helpers who ensured all the facilities were up and running. Matches were administered by both young and mature Umpires from the East and how nice it was to see that at long last youngsters are beginning to take an interest in this part of our game.

Yet again the congested Fixture Calender for all the Youth Fixture has caused Clubs some difficulty in playing on the appointed day. Changes to County training days or matches has caused the most problems and I am grateful to all the Club organisers for rearranging their matches and completing the fixtures in time for Finals Day, just. I have been corresponding with England Hockey over this matter and at last they do appear to be recognising the value of our League and others in the South, to the development of Youth Hockey. But unfortunately no real answers to our Fixture congestion problem so far.

Rowan Atkins and Keith Yeates completed their second year as League Secretaries and Mike Joyce assisted with the North U18 Web Site. Unfortunately Keith cannot continue next season so we will be looking for some assistance from a Club in the South East. Dave Gunn, Paull Spindler, and Jeremy Holt continue to carry out the bulk of the Admin work ably assisted by our Treasurer, Janet Gunn.

After 15 years in office this is my last year as Chairman and I know that my successor will ensure the Mercian Colts League will continue to provide the competitions for Colts Hockey which enables our youngsters to develop into good players, but most of all teaches them that Hockey is one of the most enjoyable sports that you can play, on and off the field.

Mike Beaney

May 2005