New season preparations well underway!

Training Times:

Men

• Pitch training underway – Thursday’s 7-9pm
• A number of the men's team are currently taking part in an intensive 8-week strength and conditioning class on Tuesday evenings with FE3 (@functionestablished3) gym.
  

Women

• The ladies training continues on Wednesday evenings 7-9pm (age 11 upwards).
  

Youth

• Juniors coaching, training will restart in September. Date & time tbc.

New and former players are always welcome for all teams!!

Messages from the Captains.....

Ladies - Kathryn Baird

Due to the restrictions surrounding Covid, the 2020/21 season was pretty much a void for the Newry Ladies due to Covid-19. After experiencing a fantastic increase in numbers prior to the lockdown in March 2020, it was shaping up to be a very exciting 20/21. Training was going very well and the girls were really keen to take part in league matches when the season started. Unfortunately, the 1st XI ladies played only two matches before Ulster Hockey stopped all matches and training due to government guidelines. When restrictions were eased and sport was able to return safely, the ladies started back to training and even managed to play a couple of friendly matches against Boyne Ladies and Ballynahinch Ladies, both of which we won. This gave the girls a great boost and we continue to train hard for what we hope will be a more successful 21/22 season.

As a club, we're delighted to see a big increase in the number of girls attending training and we're hopeful to have an under 15s development team as well as a Newry ladies 1st XI for the new season. 

As the Ladies captain and on behalf of all the girls, we would like to give a big thank you to the coaches; Brian Lockhart, Jonny Gregg, Colin Henning & John McKee who willingly give up their time to coach the girls.

For anyone looking to give hockey a go, the ladies train on a Wednesday evening 7-9pm (Ages 11 upwards). We'd love to see some new faces.

Mens 1st XI - Jeremy Greer

The 20/21 was a complete wash out with the 1sts having only competed in two matches before the season was cancelled. However, this season is a fresh start for everyone. To help counteract that we have not taken part in a competitive match for 10 months, the men have started back to pre-season early in July and we already have 6 weeks under our belts. We've a number of friendlies organised to help us hit the season running and make up for lost time.

• Home - Sunday 22nd August 12:30 v North Dublin
• Home - Saturday 28th August 14:00 v Antrim
• Away - Saturday 4th September v North Dublin

We're aiming to compete at our highest level and push up the premier league as much as possible.

Mens 2nd XI - Simon McCafferty

It looks mainly to be the same squad as last year that will again compete in Junior 3. Numbers at training at the start of the season have been very positive with healthy competition for places. As always, we're looking to recruit new players / former players to either play or umpire.

Objectives for this season are:

• to be able to have the same strength of squad regardless of home or away games
• to push for promotion and build on last year’s 3rd place league finish
• to have another successful cup run, as we've made a final 3 out of the last 4 years.

Youth Liaison Officier - Colin Henning

The junior hockey ended in June after two very successful blitz’s against Kilkeel and Boyne HC.
The increase in members has given the club new enthusiasm and belief for going into the forthcoming season. We will be hoping to continue with the following age groups:

• Beginners
• U/9s
• U/11s
• U/13s
• U/15s and hopefully a new development team that will allow beginners over 15 to still play in Ulster hockey’s new development league.

The new start date for junior hockey will be confirmed after the AGM has taken place on 10th September.. 
Lastly can I thank all the parents, volunteers and members for their continued support. It is greatly appreciated and gives us the opportunity to grow and progress together as a club.