East London Hockey Ladies have reached the quarter finals of the Investec Women’s Tier 2 Championship for the first time. It caps a successful season for the women who also secured promotion to the East Premier League, a few weeks ago. The ladies side was founded in 2000.
Kerry Inman-Rollin, the Ladies 1st team captain, is feeling confident about the match on 17 March. She said: “The team is in the best possible shape. We’ve trained hard all year and have our full team out for Sunday.
“We are going to give it our best shot. In previous years we’ve been knocked out in the first round so it’s great to have some momentum going.”
Inman-Rollin is delighted with the team’s promotion as well, not just for the players but for the team behind the scene as well. “We all felt ecstatic! It is not only something we have been working towards this season, but it has been a long term aim to reach the East Premier Division for many years now.
“It felt like such an achievement and that all the hard work has finally paid off. The men’s first team have also been promoted this season so now the club has both flagship teams playing in the East Premier League.
“What’s really important is that this success is thanks to the efforts of the whole club not just the individual team… whether that’s volunteers giving up their time at all levels or supporting fundraising. It allows us to have the training, coaching and facilities to perform at our best and it’s through the backing of the whole club that we have managed to get where we are today. To me it feels like a success for all as it opens opportunities for other teams to play at their highest level too.”
Fundraising is not the only way in which the club makes money.
Daniel Goodacre, the chair of the team, has said: “As a community sports club, the vast majority of our funding comes from our members, both as match fee and subscription payments to the club and also through generating funding through fundraising and volunteering time to coach and umpire the club. In addition, we are grateful to receive some funding support from Tower Hamlet Council for our Sunday youth training pitch provision”
Inman-Rollins gives four reasons for the club’s success: “The first is consistency. We have had a relatively consistent team for the past two years and a consistent coach who shares our passions and vision. He has put a lot of time and effort into the team over the past two years and should be recognised highly for this, so Andy Moncur, we thank you!
“Secondly is atmosphere within the team. The whole atmosphere throughout the year is one of friendships and laughs – I personally believe that this, coupled with highly motivated players and consistent hard work, makes for the perfect combination for a successful hockey team.
“Thirdly the commitment of the players have been key. We have trained hard this year, every player in the squad has committed to training and playing weekly.
“Lastly is new recruits. Since being promoted into East Division 1S we have been lucky enough to attract some highly skilled players.”
The match on Sunday is against Chiswick and is being held at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre in Stratford. The event is free to attend with an 11.30am start. Any parents interested in getting their children involved in the youth training should contact youth@elhockey.co.uk
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