Hockey club aims for Olympic boost
OFFICIALS at Horncastle Hockey Club hope the success of the sport at the London Olympics will inspire the next generation of players.
The club is looking to attract new players for its men’s, women’s and junior teams ahead of the new season.
They believe the high profile coverage the sport received at the Olympics will encourage potential players to come forward.
Spokesman Gemma Lewis said: “Unfortunately, due to the hockey not being dominated by the media and players not making a living from the sport - unlike football - you never really hear about it until something like the Olympics come along.
“The coverage of the 2012 Games was incredible and I have no doubt England hockey will have benefited greatly from it and I hope awareness and funding for the game have increased as a result.
“I have heard no end of people talking about the GB men’s and women’s matches at the Olympics - and not necessarily people who play hockey.
“We have two men’s teams, two women’s teams and a junior team so we are definitely able to cater for all ages and abilities.
“The Olympics is there to inspire the next generation of athletes, but I also believe it is down to the clubs to encourage people in their area to get involved.
“The hardest step is the first step but it is never too late to start something new and master it.”
Lincolnshire-based Crista Cullen and Georgie Twigg were members of the GB women’s side that won a bronze medal at the Olympics while another county player, Glenn Kirkham, captained the men’s team.
Meanwhile, coaches at Horncastle Tennis club have also reported an “increase” in interest following the Olympics.
The club runs a series of courses for adult and younger players and had already seen a surge in membership before the Olympics.
Coach Karl Sutton said: “Since London, there have been definitely been more people coming down to the club and our sessions have been very busy.
“Hopefully, we’ve a few budding stars of the future. There’s certainly some very talented young players around but, as ever, it’s about keeping them interested in the sport.”
l Details and contact numbers for the hockey club are available from www.horncastlehockeyclub.co.uk and the tennis club at www.horncastletennis.co.uk.
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Weather for Horncastle
Thursday 20 June 2013
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 13 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 12 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: West
