With the arrival of a new season, it’s not just a fresh start on the field for Cwmtawe Hockey Club. A number of aspects at the club have experienced change in recent times, provoking excitement for things to come.
Front and centre is the new pitch installed at Ystradgynlais Sports Centre, replacing the outdated sports pitch the club used to play on. Now boasting a high-quality playing surface, the club is excited to welcome competitors from junior and senior leagues, explained
Cwmtawe’s Lucy Williams when we talked to her.
“Our new pitch is excellent, and some quality hockey is being played,” she confirmed. “We have already hosted one U14 tournament and of course played our first home games of the senior season.”
A push for a multi-sport facility able to host competitive hockey was vital in securing the new pitch, which is of course key in the club’s provision. And with a new season, comes new offerings.
The club is looking to introduce walking hockey, potentially led by one of its coaches who plays for Wales’ O60 Masters side. With club members already keen on the prospect, it’s an exciting community initiative for the club.
Elsewhere, the club is also driving to recruit more players and spread hockey further afield, for example with a big emphasis on social media – now designating a social media coordinator – and handing out of flyers in schools, leisure centres, and community boards. Particularly aiming to attract female and U16 players, the club’s even looking into the idea of hosting a training session in a separate location to expand its network and reach.
With this drive in place, the club has already seen a number of juniors join the club.
And with same ambition, the new season was ushered in with a Fun Day open to the local community in early September.
With a raffle, a buffet, and a presentation event for the club’s current crop, it was a great way to raise awareness of the club and to set up the new season.
“It is important for the club to reach out,” Lucy told us, “to show the local community that there is a local hockey club that welcomes individuals of all ages and abilities!
“The usual sports such as swimming, rugby and football take precedent, so sometimes people don't know hockey is an option.
“It is important for the club to continue attracting current and new members to ensure we thrive and can continue to provide hockey in this area. Other clubs are a lot further away to travel to, and that travel would have a negative impact on individuals.”
Behind the scenes, the club has welcomed a newly elected committee, as well as attracted fresh sponsorship and is proactively looking at development opportunities.
The sponsorship is key for the club as it will support with purchasing junior kit, while drives to secure grants will hopefully eventually allow the club to upskill members, upgrade equipment and support with the club’s walking hockey initiative.
“It is all very exciting,” Lucy said, “and we seem to have kicked off this season so positively, especially having our fun day to start the campaign.
“The committee are proactive and working hard behind the scenes, and our senior numbers are positive – hopefully this will continue throughout the season. Everyone is really enjoying themselves and I'd say the buzz is infectious!”
According to Lucy, recent pushes and successes at the club are possible thanks to its volunteering base and sense of community. And, while there is an air of ‘all things fresh’ at the club, its core values remain.
“This is all definitely down to our volunteers, players and parents supporting wherever possible,” she stated. “We wouldn't be able to run the club without these individuals and without the commitment of our members coming back year after year to be involved.
“Our key values remain the same - honesty, commitment, open and friendly. We just continue to try and push the club forward.”
With an infectious blend of a rooted sense of community and inclusiveness, and a thrilling freshness around the club, the future looks bright for Cwmtawe Hockey Club.
“We hope the future holds a continuing interest and commitment to hockey by all our members and prospective members,” Lucy concluded. “We hope to continue to thrive in both junior and senior sections, taking part in competitions and, most importantly, we hope everyone has fun and enjoys their hockey.”
If you would like to find out more about Cwmtawe Hockey Club, check them out on socials!
The club hosts training sessions every Wednesday from 18:00 to 19:00 for juniors and from 19:00 to 20:00 for seniors, with all abilities welcome.