Underage Blitz report

Under Age Hockey Blitzes              (Report: Cliona Kennedy)

Connacht underage hockey got off to a great start in Dangan on Saturday 6^th October.  On a beautiful morning, Galway Hockey Club hosted the Under 12s group.  Teams from Kinvara H.C., Athlone H.C, Galway H.C. , Galway Boys and Greenfields H.C. took to the pitch in a busy schedule of matches.

The games were played according to IHA guidelines for Under 12 “Super Six”.  The emphasis is on fun while developing skills and technique.  140 girls and boys took part.  Greenfields had 6 teams entered.  They all played really well and every one improved with each match.  The teams were managed by Aedin Padgen, Jenny Cunningham, Fiona Holland, Neasa Mulkerrin, Blaize Kelly-Dooley, Caoimhe D’Arcy and Róisín O’Connell.

On Saturday afternoon Greenfields Hockey Club hosted the Under 8s and Under 10s group.   The weather stayed perfect for all the supporters and players.  120 children from Greenfields H.C., Galway Hockey club, Galway Boys and Athlone Hockey Club took part.  The format was “Fun Fours”, where the teams play on an 1/8^th of the pitch in 4 v 4 teams.   The pitch was a hive of activity, excitement and determination.

The standard of hockey was very encouraging, especially since this was the first outing for many of the players.  A special thanks to all the under 14s and under 15 players who helped umpire and manage teams.  A lot of people helped to make the afternoon run smoothly and it was a huge success.

Throughout the day all played exceptionally well and a lot of new talent was on display. The next outing is in Athlone on Saturday November 17^th.

We will need lots of help for that event – any parent interested should talk to Cliona!