After a successful 2011-12, which saw promotions for both Ladies teams and the Men’s 3XI, UYHC is looking to continue their fantastic form into 2012-13. Hockey has developed into one of the most popular university sports, and the society which runs five teams is one of the largest sports societies on campus. In recent years UYHC teams have enjoyed stunning successes in their BUCS leagues, Yorkshire leagues and of course in Roses competitions. Now they are looking for new members to join and help to continue these fantastic achievements for years to come, so pick up your hockey stick and make your way down to the JLD Astro.
Asked on their thoughts looking ahead to the season, club presidents Mylo Scurr and Jill Mercer responded; “All of us at UYHC are eagerly anticipating the start of the season. With both ladies’ teams moving up into new divisions, and the men’s 1s and 2s both gunning for promotion, every member of the club has their work cut out. UYHC warmly welcome the pre-season initiative by the York Sport Union, we have 38 players signed up, and with fixtures coming thick and fast in the first few weeks it will be an important period for us. We are keen to build upon the excellent work done by last year’s committee, and are looking forward to welcoming all the new students at York!”
From October UYHC will be offering a new scheme, unique among York Sport clubs, which will see students from low-income families pay reduced membership and match fees, potentially saving them up to £100 per year. York Sport Union President Charlotte Winter said; “I think this is an absolutely fantastic idea, it really makes competitive sport accessible for everyone”. If Students qualify for financial support from the university and wish to play hockey, they are encouraged to contact [email protected].
YUSU President Kallum Taylor echoed Winter’s words, “It sets a fantastic marker as we continue to keep costs down across the board. Finance should never be a restricting factor for any player representing their university in sport, so any further help on the costs side is warmly received.”
The club will have a stall at the freshers’ fayre, and trials will be on Sunday 14th (Ladies 1.30-3.30pm, Men 3.00-5.00pm) and Tuesday 16th October (Men 1.30-3.30pm, Ladies 3.00-5.00pm). For more information, freshers should visit our website www.uyhc.co.uk.
Last year was an unquestionably turbulent season for the Men’s 1st XI, which saw them narrowly avoid relegation in BUCS, and miss out on promotion in the Yorkshire League. The side will now be looking to turn over a new leaf in the upcoming season, under the leadership of new captain George Richards. On assessing his side’s chances for the season, Richards concluded; “Ever the optimist, I would love to say that we have every chance of double promotion this year. Spurred on by the successes of the female side of the club, disappointed by our own performance last year, and with the anticipation of a home Roses I am quietly confident that a fruitful season awaits.”
The 1st XI are fortunate to have lost only a couple of players from last year’s squad, albeit key men within the team, but with a solid core and a useful fresher intake, they look set to enjoy a more prosperous season. Players to look out for include the ever threatening Leo Watton and the talented Hugo Christie.
Richards finished by adding; “Realistically, our aims for the season will be to target promotion in Yorkshire League, challenge for the BUCS Cup and the of course the pinnacle: a home Roses whitewash.”
The 2nd XI endured a similar season to their 1st XI counterparts, struggling in the BUCS League and narrowly missing out on promotion in the Yorkshire League last year. The mantle and honour of captaining the side for the coming season has passed to defender James Hope, who told Vision; “I hold three clear aims, which I believe, are all very realistic. These are promotion in both BUCS and Yorkshire League, as well as a home Roses victory at the end of the season. Some may argue that aiming for promotion in BUCS after coming off the back of a season where relegation threatened us all year is outrageous, but I simply do not.”
In order to achieve these goals, Hope believes he faces certain key challenges. He said; “Firstly I must instil the belief into my players that we will achieve these aims, and secondly motivate the entire team to up fitness levels, as this will be a key factor into our success.” The new captain has a clear game plan, and the combination of his guidance and some hard graft could well see the team enjoy a much more lucrative year.
Last year was an incredibly successful season for the 3rd XI, who achieved promotion in both of their leagues, even if both were down to the sweetest word in the English language: default. Add to this a maiden Roses victory, and the result is a perfect year, which will be challenging to better this time around. Outgoing captain Jon Waghorne is one of many key players to have left, and into the void steps second year Declan Hall. New captain Hall stated; “This year I think that ideally we should be looking for a top 5 finish in Yorkshire league and a top 3 finish in BUCS, as we really need to try and stay in the leagues we have worked so hard to get into, if not move up to giddier heights! I would also hope to build on last seasons win at Roses with another.”
Hall admitted that his side faced some severe challenges this year but still remained optimistic. He said; “We have lost 8 players from our starting line up to graduation, and still more will move up to other teams in the club! Building a new team from Freshers is going to be hard, and getting the team to the level of consistency and fitness required of them will be tough, but hopefully one that will yield great rewards!” If his enthusiasm is anything to go by, then the side will achieve his aims, but he will be relying on a strong intake of new players to boost a depleted side.
Yet it was the Ladies side of the club which really shone last year, with the 1st XI leading the way. They had an amazing season, overcoming setbacks in the form of cheating ringers and busted minibuses to achieve promotion in both their BUCS league and the weekend Yorkshire league. To round all that off they also reached the semi-finals of the BUCS cup. This year the captaincy has been handed to Sally Dolton. Asked about her aims for the season, the third year politics student said: “Under my stewardship, and with Laura Porter as my right hand women, we are aiming to cement our position in both leagues. The squad lost the bulk of its members through graduation so one aim for this year is to put together a cohesive unit and to successfully integrate what is hopefully a large fresher intake into the team.”
Noteworthy matches include York St. John 1sts whose BUCS league the side joined this season. Commenting on the local rivalry Dolton told Vision: “Expect lots of banter for this particular match.” She added: “Another crucial match is our first, which will be a baptism of fire away to Durham 3rds.” Then of course there is Roses. The side fared fabulously last year, and will be looking for a strong intake of freshers to help them emulate such results again this time around.
The Ladies’ 2nd XI also had a great season last year, being promoted in both the BUCS and Yorkshire Leagues. Captain Harriet Mills told Vision; “Our main objectives this year will be maintaining our position in these higher leagues and adapting to a more competitive standard of hockey, which we are more than capable of doing. This will involve hard work in training and fitness from every member of the squad, which will be helped by our extended training times following the expansion of the sport facilities.”
The side has lost several players from last year’s squad, so the first task will be to integrate freshers into the team. Mills added; “I look forward to seeing a steady improvement in our hockey, as we gain experience from playing against stronger opposition.” Indeed the side will face much stiffer challenges this year, but if they can continue their incredible form from last year, then there is no reason why more success can’t come there way.
It truly is an exciting time to be involved in UYHC. All of the sides are thriving at the moment, and there is a buzz in general around the club, which has ambitions for even more success in the future. A home Roses awaits at the end of the season, but before that there is plenty of hockey to play, as the club looks to replicate the splendid achievements of last year. Now is the time for you to become part of this terrific society, by joining up during freshers’ week.
I think last year’s captain Henry Meller is going to be sorely missed by all, his boots will surely be impossible to fill.
Whilst i am touched, that even beyond my tenure with UYHC, people continue to impersonate me, I can confirm this is not me. Though, i cant say i disagree.
I’m always being impersonated.
Have faith, vote for ‘Wraith.
No one impersonates me.