Be an Angel - how to make your Lansdown hockey coach or captain love you

How to make your Lansdown Hockey Club captain, coach and team mates love you!

As we all know, hockey in the UK is a largely unfunded sport. Tthe people elected to the Lansdown committee to run your hockey club are volunteers, without which we wouldn't be able to play the sport we love.

Organising a hockey team takes a lot of time, discussion and effort. By keeping the points below in mind, you'll ensure become your captain or coach's new favourite member of the team!!

  1. Go to Training - If you don't turn up, it may mean that certain exercises that your coach has planned cannot be performed and the time they have taken to plan the session is wasted. This may also mean that your team mates have missed out on doing something they really need to work on. Hockey is a team game after all and practice of set plays require all the people involved to be there.
  2. Communicate your plans - Let your captain or coach know as far in advance as possible if you are unable to attend games or training - You should tell your captain no less than one week before the next game if you're unavailable, but ideally you should make your availability known for the coming month if you can.
  3. But I'm Poorly! - Occassionally, circumstances may arise at very short notice which may mean that you cannot attend. We understand this. However, if you are feeling poorly or think you're carrying an injury during the week, let your captain know. This will mean they can talk to the other captains and plan for the eventuality if you don't recover in time for the weekend. Above all, keep your captain up-to-date.
  4. Turn up on time - We've all got busy lives and understand that it's sometimes difficult to fit everthing in. But don't be the person that is always last and keeps everyone waiting.
  5. Listen - Your captain and coach put a lot of time into organising games and training. When it comes to the day, listen to what they have to say and be respectful. You've elected them, so support them and do what they ask.
  6. Be ready - we all know when training starts and game warm ups begin. Make sure you're ready - shin pads on, gum shield at the ready, stick at hand.
  7. Reply! - If your captain sends you an email or text asking for availability or anything requiring your acknowledgment, reply as soon as you're able. The cost of texting or using a phone comes out of your captains pocket (not the club) and it becomes expensive if they have to start chasing you. It also means that your captain can actually sit down and enjoy some evenings of peace and quiet rather than having to find players. Crack on, and reply ASAP - even if it's to say no!
  8. Bring your money - Don't get behind with payments for subs, training or match fees. Make sure you always have the money on the day so you don't end up with a big bill. If you need to however, you can always go into The Stick Shop in Cheltenham and pay by credit card.