Report submitted by Stourport Hockey Club

Stourport Hockey Club has returned to the astro for the first time since the November lockdown, after Covid19 restrictions were eased earlier this month, with the club running a number of intra-club sessions and a junior tournament over recent weekends.

The matches, that have taken place at The Kingsway astro pitch (just behind Stourport High School), for the past three weeks providing a great way for players to reconnect with each other after what has been a difficult period for the club.

Club chairman Martin Tucker said 'the last 12 months have been hard for all sport clubs, although we have been very fortunate that our team of top coaches put on a terrific online coaching programme for our members during the lockdown. That said, we are delighted to be back on the pitch and the last couple of weeks have seen many of our members play in some competitive, but very friendly intra-club games. We are looking forward to the summer leagues starting up during May and to the season proper starting in September.'

Although the league season for 20/21, for all teams, has been declared null and void, Stourport continues to gauge the appetite for additional friendly games with other local clubs, having recently also organised a combined ladies first and second team game against Clifton L1s. Planning for mixed intra-club games are well underway, with the first taking place on 1st May, plus additional junior tournaments are being organised as well as a Summer League programme.

Stourport Hockey Club is a strong family-orientated club, welcoming all ages and all abilities, from 8 to 80. Training for most sections has already resumed in recent weeks, in a Covid-compliant environment.