What we're doing

Your committees have been working hard behind the scenes to ensure that we can return to the pitch as quickly and safely as possible.

At this point in time, our conversations are ongoing with Lee Valley and Mile End to understand when our venues will reopen. We're yet to receive confirmation of when we'll be able to resume using these facilities but we hope that it won't be too long after 29 March.

What's happening with the Winter League?

For all men's and women's teams, the Winter League has been brought to a close. On 2 March, the East Region announced that all leagues from Men's Premier B down and Women's Div 1 down were concluded for the year.

On 26 March, England Hockey announced that, following a survey of clubs, there was limited appetite to see the 20/21 Season to its end, and as a result, the 20/21 Season is null and void.

For all leagues that have been brought to close early, there will be no promotion or relegation.

What's happening with training?

Due to difficulties in securing access to our venues at this current time, there's no plan to resume training in April/May/June.

We'll keep this under review and look to resume training at an appropriate time to ensure teams are in tip top form ready for 21/22 Winter Leagues in the Autumn.

So when can I play hockey?

We're in conversation with Lee Valley, Mile End and other clubs to understand what Summer Leagues or other competitions are planned. We expect there'll be opportunities for everyone to get back on the pitch shortly after Easter and we’ll provide details of those plans as soon as they're finalised.

A Lee Valley Summer League should be starting from Saturday 10 April. Your club captains are liaising with captains at the moment to organise entering teams so keep your eyes peeled for messages from your captains, and look out for further communications from the Playing Committee.

As normal, we are planning to hold Summer Social Hockey on Saturday afternoons at Mile End. Further details on that will be released once we have further detail from Mile End on when reopening.

Should any other clubs reach out to current captains or members seeking friendlies do let the playing committee know.

Over the Spring/Summer we will working hard to ensure that everyone gets the opportunity to play no matter their experience level.

What can I do?

We're glad you asked! First of all, we ask that all ELHC club members review the club COVID-19 guidance to remind yourself of the behaviours required when we do get back on the pitch. Our understanding is that the England Hockey COVID Secure requirements have not substantially changed from the autumn - so the set up and requirements should be familiar to everyone.

Second of all, we're seeking volunteers for a number of Committee Roles for the 21/22 Season. As you all know, East London is run by the hard work and hockey love of a small army of volunteers. Without our committees the club wouldn't exist and we wouldn't get to engage in the sport we all love.

This is going to be a really important year as the regional leagues restructure and much of East London moves into the newly formed London League. With huge thanks to those who are stepping down from roles for all their hard work during this uncertain year, the roles where the holders are stepping down and we need volunteers for the 21/22 season are below.

You can find out more about all the committee positions here. And remember, even if a current post holder isn't stepping down, anyone can put themselves forward for a position. Contact elhcsec@gmail.com and elhchdo@gmail.com to put yourself forward. Committee positions for next year will be decided at the AGM as usual.

• Hockey Development Officer (Head of Playing Committee)

• Deputy Hockey Development Officer

• Fixtures Secretary x 2

• Deputy Treasurer

• Ladies Club Captain

• Deputy Ladies Club Captain x 2

• Welfare Officer

• Umpire Liaison Officer x 1

How can I get involved with coaching?

With the return to hockey imminent we're starting a community to support coaches at the club. If you're an existing coach, would like to be a coach or just like talking about coaching (or to coaches) we’d be delighted to get you involved.

You don’t need any experience, or to have played any particular level of hockey. There are no commitments and you can be as involved as suits you in adult or junior coaching. We’ll be holding the first meeting of the community on 7 April at 7pm via Zoom and would love to see anyone interested in hearing more then.

Please sign up on the Facebook Event or email stevecanwell10@gmail.com for the Zoom details.

What's happening with subs?

As was communicated earlier in the year, we're not taking further subs for the 20/21 season and will be operating on a "pay to play" model over the Summer.

If you have any questions, please reach out to elhctreasury@gmail.com.

What about the AGM?

The date for the upcoming AGM will be announced shortly. We expect to hold it in mid May. Like last year, the AGM will be held virtually over Zoom, which should allow as many people as possible to attend and have their say over the future of their club.

Thank you again all for your patience in these uncertain times. We look forward to seeing you on a pitch again soon.

HOCKEY LOVE

EAST LONDON HOCKEY CLUB COMMITTEE