It's the start of another new season here at Norton Hockey Club

The new season is almost upon us here at Norton Hockey Club. Lets have a look at a season preview for all of our teams.

Starting with our Ladies 1's, after 6 seasons as captain we say a massive thank you to Aislin who has stepped down from the role this season. With back to back to back promotions and a cup win just thrown into the mix too, its time to pass over the reigns of the team to our new co-captains. Ella & Holly are looking forward to the season and with coach Mike still offering his abundance of coaching experience to the team they have their sights set on further glory. This year they are again competing in the Yorkshire & North East Division 1, where there are no close away days unfortunately, but the team are committed and looking forward to the challenge this year.

Moving on to our Mens 1's, still under the guidance of the leadership group of Oli, Josh & Luke, are looking to progress on last years 7th place finish. With a few players back off to university this year its time for more youngsters to step up from the 2's and stake their claim to regular places in the team. We look forward to a few more local derbies this year, notably with Stockton 2's & Marton Furness 1's coming into the league this season. Hopefully they can hit the ground running and take advantage of two home games to start the season, against Jesmond 1's & Gateshead 1's.

Now our newly promoted Ladies 2's... yes we are saying it again! They thoroughly deserved to win the league last year and will play in YNE North East Division 2 this year, coming up against some local teams including Marton Furness 1's & Stockton 1's. Under another years leadership of captain Emma and experienced coach Mike, the team which is a great blend of young and 'old' (sorry experienced) they look to hit the ground running and stake their claim as being the fierce but enjoyable team to play against. They start their season at home against the most local of rivals in Stockton 1's.

Our Men's 2's will look to build on last years 4th place when it comes to this season competing in the YNE North East Division 3. Last season they scored a whopping 90 goals in 22 games so will look for that firepower yet again this season. Keith, Peter & Graham work hard each week to bring a team together that always looks well gelled, despite numerous changes each week. Hopefully this season can bring more stability and they can push on to a higher finish. They will also come up against local rivals in Marton Furness 3's & Stockton 3's, in which are always spicy affairs.

Now onto our two development sides, with both 3's teams being supported sides, this means that we will be able to use players who have already played to ensure that more of our members will get a game each week. Firstly thank you to everyone who doubled up last year and may well do this year to ensure that youngsters and less experienced players, are able to enjoy playing each Saturday. Both teams are under new leadership with Richard & Dani taking the helms this season. It's a great place to learn the ropes of captaincy and we applaud their energy they have already bought to the table.

If after reading this you think, oooh yeah lets give Norton Hockey Club a go please do contact our captains and coaches. The first training session you attend is free so why not come down and give it a go. Whether you have never picked up a stick before, played 30 years ago or fancy a change of scenery from your last club, come give Norton a go!