Hooray for Wotton hockey (From Gazette Series)

Hooray for Wotton hockey

TO say that hockey has enjoyed a renaissance in Wotton-under-Edge lately is something of an understatement.

With the hugely successful men's first team now on the verge of National League status, and with all teams at Wotton Hockey Club enjoying a purple patch that has led to promotion or improved interest, there would appear to be no stopping the sport in terms of its popularity in the town.

Indeed, former Katharine Lady Berkeley's School pupils Simon Mason and Mark Pearn are set to represent Great Britain at the Olympic Games this summer, having been regulars in the national team for almost ten years.

The Olympic dream is merely another aspect of the hockey phenomenon that seems to revolve around Wotton.

Last season was one of the most significant campaigns in the history of Wotton Hockey Club, with the first team securing promotion to the Gerrard Hockey League Premier Division One - the West Country's elite division - in March.

The achievement was an incredible feat in hockey terms, especially for a town of Wotton's size, and the team will now rub shoulders with the cream of South Wales/West hockey next season.

The next step up from this level is National League hockey, and Wotton would be one of the smallest towns ever to have a side playing in this division if they make it.

All it takes is just one more promotion.

The current Wotton squad is full of experience, with former National League winner and keeper/captain James French surrounded by a team packed with top-flight experience and international honours.

Meanwhile, the club's second team complemented this success by winning promotion from North East District One, with Stuart Emms' team doing a great job of lifting themselves after a hard season to win the divisional play-offs in April.

Under the stewardship of club chairman Alan Hooper, the third team continued to develop the club's young talent at senior level with a highly creditable third place in their division.

And the Wotton hockey phenomenon does not stop there, with the club's future looking just as bright as its present.

Wotton continues to enjoy a rich tradition at all levels of hockey, and its legacy looks highly promising. Indeed, the club has been coaching youngsters for the past ten years indoors at KLB Sports Centre.

This year, the club obtained a slot at the outdoor pitch at Stratford Park in Stroud, and this move has helped Wotton's stars of tomorrow no end as the club's youth system propels forward.

In March, junior coaches Willie Cruickshank and Dave Newns were joined by Ian Dixon, and for the first time the club entered the Cannon Clarke Junior Hockey League (run by Bath Buccaneers).

The outdoor sessions paid huge dividends as the team ran out as clear winners of Division Three, with the children now looking forward to even greater challenges as they look to one day emulate the current senior sides, who have set a trailblazing pace.

As Cruickshank said: "Next year we are hoping to attract a host of year four players and are looking for the next Simon Mason, so anyone who thinks they have the right credentials should contact me on 01453 844767."

The one obstacle to further success at the club has been the lack of an artificial turf pitch in the town which, despite the best efforts of Wotton Community Sports Foundation, means that home games are currently played at Stratford Park in Stroud.

Lack of available funding from the sport's governing body, a general decrease in the levels of Sport England grants and district council backing for a proposed pitch in Dursley have all compounded the problem, which is seen as crucial to the future of hockey in Wotton.

Indeed, pitches can be found in Yate and Stroud and it seems that a pitch may be on its way to either Dursley or Thornbury.

With Wotton such a strong hockey town, the use of an outdoor pitch is seen as vital to the club's future and continued success, and the fact that the club has achieved so much without the proper facilities remains an awesome feat on its own.

If this one problem were to be rectified, there is every chance that the future of the club will be every bit as promising as the recent past.

But who is to say that it will not be anyway, judging by the club's proven ability to succeed above the odds?

l The club is always looking for new members of all levels and experience.

Anyone interested in joining a club on the up should call club chairman Alan Hooper on 01453 842408.