Tickets for EuroHockey Nations Trophy in Wrexham in August now available!
Details and booking options from www.glyndwr.ac.uk
30th March 2009
Llantrisant & Llantwit Ladies HC achieve Level 1 Club Accreditation
The WHU wishes to congratulate Llan. & Llan. Ladies on becoming the fifth accredited hockey club in Wales. Llantrisant & Llantwit Ladies have achieved the Level 1 or '1 Stick' standard and will therefore be awarded a 15% rebate on the club's WHU affiliation costs.
30th March 2009
Count down to Cup Final!
With the majority of the domestic leagues matches now done and dusted, 12 teams are still left in domestic cup competitions. Six finals will take place over two days at the Welsh Institute of Sport, Cardiff.
30th March 2009
South Wales Girls U-15 Club Championships
On a fine crisp day at Swansea six teams battled it out to become the SW Finalists in the Girls U-15 Club Championships. The Pool matches were tightly fought encounters with Newport, Rhondda, Swansea Bay and Whitchurch Saints coming through to the play-off stage with Newport and Swansea Bay eventually winning through to the national Finals to be held on 26th April at Swansea.
30th March 2009
Whitchurch and Cardiff & UWIC both lose in final National League fixtures
Whitchurch went down 1-2 to Birmingham University in a close fought match but Cardiff & UWIC's defeat by the same score at home to Team Bath Buccaneers condemns them to relegation as their close rivals, Firebrands, pulled off a victory against Bourneville.
27th March 2009
Sheila Morrow joins WHU Board
Welsh Hockey is delighted to announce that Sheila Morrow has accepted an invitation to become a Non-Executive Director.
Welsh Hockey Union Chair, Karen Evans, said: "We are all delighted that Sheila has agreed to join the Board. Her dedication, experience and business acumen will help the board to continue moving forward".
26th March 2009
Year 7 hockey booming in Caerphilly!
Seven schools attended the Caerphilly School Sport Associations' Year Seven hockey tournament on the 18th March. Risca Comprehensive School played host to 93 budding players as well as students from Ystrad Mynach, Crosskeys and three hockey coaches forming part of the management team.
26th March 2009
South Wales Women's League goes down to the wire!
The South Wales Women’s league could be decided in the final match of the season. Howardians take on Penarth Ladies on Sunday and providing both teams win their matches on Saturday, the league title could go to either team. Penarth must win the match, whilst a draw or a win would see Howardians crowned champions. The match starts at 12:30 at Treforest Industrial Estate on Sunday 29th March.
26th March 2009
Introduction of new rules
The WHU and WHUA have agreed that the new rules (as detailed at the link below) should be introduced as soon as possible for International Squads; however for domestic hockey the existing rules will be maintained until the leagues and cup matches are completed. After that time clubs and officials (subject to agreement of all parties involved) are permitted to use the new rules in non-formal matches with the changes being mandatory for all domestic hockey from 1st September 2009. International matches held within Wales will use the new rules (subject to agreement of all parties involved) with effect from 1st April 2009.
Rules of Hockey 2009: free hit (FIH statement)
25th March 2009
North Wales Umpiring Courses
Level 1 courses will be held on the following dates: 26th March at Colwyn Bay, 23rd April at Porthmadog and 7th May at Glyndwr University, Wrexham. Full details are available from Ian Wright, North Wales Umpiring Development Officer, at i.wright@ccw.gov.uk Tel: 01407 761124 (H); 07766 602299 (M).
24th March 2009
Swansea Ladies take on Kent State University
Swansea Ladies took a break from National League commitments to play a match last night against Kent State University from Ohio. The Golden Flashes, whose assistant coach is former Birmingham University and Midlands U21 Coach Rich Sutton, are on a ten day tour of the UK and have further matches lined up against Cannock H.C. and Bracknell H.C.
24th March 2009
Men's Welsh Veterans Captains appointed
Interest in Welsh Hockey Veterans (Y Ddraig Goch ddyry gychwyn) continues to grow. The Vets Men's Captains for 2009-10 have been appointed as follows:
- Over 40's Masters: Richard Jones
- Over 45's Veteran: Masters Bob Fleck
- Over 50's Senior Masters: Colin Grafton
- Over 55's Vintage Masters: Ian Johnson
- Over 60's Grand Masters: Roger Willis
For further information contact Bernie Wheeler at: Thethreewheelers@aol.com
23rd March 2009
Whitchurch beat Stourport in 11 goal thriller whilst Cardiff & UWIC go down to Old Georgians
A last minute goal from John Collis ensured Whitchurch's survival in the EHL Conference (West) whilst Cardiff & UWIC in losing 2-5 are confirmed in one of the bottom two positions meaning they will either be relegated or have to play in the relegation play-offs.
23rd March 2009
SE Wales U-16's hit 9 against Surrey
South East Wales U16 Girls' Hockey team played Surrey Juniors (U16) in London on Saturday 7th March. Previous matches had been thrilling and this game was no exception. In the first six minutes the Surrey team scored two quick goals but a resolute South East side responded with two goals of their own, one from Hannah Vowles and another from Katie Howson. As the end of the first half approached a further three goals were added by the Welsh girls. However, the Surrey girls had also increased the tempo of the match and added two further goals to their own score which were brilliantly taken by their international centre forward. At half time the score was 5-4 in favour of the South East Wales side. In the second half a hat trick from Sioned Price and a goal from Jo Westwood increased the score line to 9 for the travelling Welsh team. The only reply in this half from the English girls was a very well taken goal created from midfield and finished with a shot from inside the circle.
The 9-5 victory in London followed last year's success and once again highlighted the ability and character of the players. Congratulations to the squad on an excellent performance and to thanks to Katie Perry for umpiring.
20th March 2009
WHU Clubs and Young People Development plan now available to download
The Plan sets out the WHU's aims and objectives for clubs, schools and youth hockey in Wales. It also details the progress that has been made in recent years and identifies the key issues still facing grassroots hockey in Wales.
Anyone wishing to discuss the content of the plan in more detail is welcome to contact Matt James at the Welsh Hockey Union. Tel. 029 2057 3948 email: matthew.james@welsh-hockey.co.uk.
Plan and appendices (Downloads page)
20th March 2009
Ysgol Glan Taf win RAF U-14 Schools Title
Congratulations to Bishopston (Afan Nedd Tawe), Ysgol Glan Taf (Cardiff and the Vale), Sir Thomas Picton (Dyfed), Rydal Penrhos (Eryri), Blaengwawr (Glamorgan Valleys), Brynhyfryd (North East Wales), Llanidloes (Powys) and West Mon (South East Wales) on reaching the RAF Careers U14 Schools Finals which were held in Swansea on Thursday 19 March.
19th March 2009
Welsh Dragons Vets (50+) overcome Warlocks in a thriller!
The Welsh Dragons over-50s team took on the Warlocks in Bristol last Sunday. The fantastic weather was matched by an 11 goal thriller as the Welsh Dragons ran our 6-5 victors.
19th March 2009
RAF U18 Welsh School Finals
Gorseinon College edge out Rydal Penrhos to take the title.
18th march 2009
Dragon Hockey Flourishes in Neath Port Talbot
Neath Port Talbot Council's Physical Activity & Sport Service (PASS) recently organised a Dragon Sport Hockey Festival for over 240 primary school children from Neath Port Talbot.
18th March 2009
Vets 60's+ lift Super-Vets Trophy
Against strong European competition the Welsh Super Vets (60's+) brought home the honours in the French hosted tournament.
17th March 2009
RAF Careers - Welsh Women's U-14 Schools Championship Finals
The RAF U14 Welsh Schools Finals will take place at King George V Playing Fields, Swansea on Thursday 19th March. The eight schools taking part will be competing to win the important U14 Welsh School title. The eight schools will be split into two groups with all matches being played at Swansea with the top two from each group then playing off in a semi- final and final format. The final will take place at 14:15.
16th March 2009
Both Cardiff & UWIC and Whitchurch go down to late goals
In what could be vital results, Cardiff & UWIC lost 3-4 to league leaders University of Exeter whilst Whitchurch went down 2-3 to 2nd placed Guildford with both winning goals coming in the 69th minute. University of Birmingham beat Stourport and both of these teams now have at least a 4 point advantage over the Welsh clubs with just two games to play.
12th March 2009
Tal-y-Bont overrun
Dubbed the event of the century by some, others have called it the greatest day of their lives, we are of course talking about the Dragon Sport Hockey Festival attended by over one hundred and twenty young hockey enthusiasts from eight Cardiff Primary Schools.
10th March 2009
Abergavenny HC become Gwent's first Accredited Club
The WHU wishes to congratulate Abergavenny HC on becoming the first Accredited club in Gwent and the fourth to date in Wales. Abergavenny HC have achieved the Level 1 or '1 Stick' standard and will therefore be awarded a 15% rebate on the club's WHU affiliation costs. One of Wales's oldest clubs, Abergavenny currently field one ladies and two men's teams, and operate a junior section for boys and girls aged nine and above. Matt James, WHU National Development Manager (Clubs and Young People), said of Abergavenny's award, "The WHU are delighted to award Abergavenny the '1 Stick' Club Accreditation. They have responded very positively to all of the WHU's advice and guidance during the last year and the club as a whole has bought into the Club Accreditation scheme. They are investing considerable time and effort into strengthening their junior section and are putting several members through the UKCC Level 1 coaching qualification this summer. This effort is reflected in their membership numbers, which are now rising at youth and junior levels. We hope they continue to go from strength to strength and fulfil all of the '2 Stick' criteria next season".
9th March 2009
U-16 Boys Squad announced for 2009
The U16 Boys squad for this current International season has been released. The squad are shown in their new training shirts at the recent half term training camp in Cardiff. The shirts were kindly sponsored by Pendennis Worldclass Super Yachts who can be contacted at www.pendennis.com
9th March 2009
Cardiff & UWIC claim vital victory
It was Cardiff & UWIC who took home the points in a very close match against City rivals Whitchurch with a 1-0 victory, thanks to a Mark Ramage penalty corner. This moves Cardiff off the bottom to within 1 point of Whitchurch with both teams still in with a chance of avoiding relegation. The two clubs will play each other twice more this season - once in the Welsh Cup Final on 5th April after they both completed 5-0 victories over Bridgend and Cardiff University respectively and again in the EuroHockey Club Challenge in Prague in May.
6th March 2009
Wrexham HC become North Wales's first Accredited Club
The WHU wishes to congratulate Wrexham HC on becoming the first Accredited club in North Wales and only the third in Wales. Wrexham HC have achieved the Level 1 or '1 Stick' standard and will therefore be awarded a 15% rebate on the club's WHU affiliation costs. Wrexham HC are currently helping to run the WHU's North East Wales Performance Development Centre (PDC) and are looking to strengthen their own junior section and its links with local schools. They are therefore looking to achieve '3 Stick' Accreditation in the near future and the WHU wishes them well with this aim. The WHU wishes to recognise the outstanding contribution of Pat and Delyth Sharples to the running of the PDC and Mary Bainbridge for coordinating the Club Accreditation project.
5th March 2009
UK School Games launched in grand style!
The 2009 UK School Games was officially launched today at Cardiff Castle. The multi sport event will take place from 3rd - 6th September at venues in Cardiff, Swansea and Newport. Emily James, Wales U18 Hockey athlete, was part of a small group of athletes representing their sport at the launch.
5th March 2009
Martyn Gallivan appointed to FIH Committee
The Welsh Hockey Union is delighted to announce that Martyn Gallivan has been appointed onto the FIH Umpiring Committee. With Martyn's existing membership of a number of EHF Committees this will further enhance Wales' standing in the international arena.
5th March 2009
Cardiff University hope for win against Brookes after defeat to Portsmouth
An enthralling floodlit Hockey match in changeable weather conditions ended in defeat for Cardiff's Mens 1st team at Talybont last Wednesday. Having won their group in the BUSA league this season, victory in their second play-off fixture against Oxford Brookes is needed to secure promotion to the premier league.
4th March 2009
Whitchurch v Cardiff & UWIC - Saturday sizzler!
Whitchurch play host to Cardiff & UWIC this coming Saturday for the second EHL match in the much anticipated Cardiff derby! With only four games left to play this season, both teams will be looking for wins to help improve their chances of staying in the English National League Conference West. Whitchurch were 1-0 winners in the previous match with a Laith El Khatib goal. With no rugby this weekend, this is an ideal opportunity to watch some top hockey in Cardiff. Match starts at 13.30 at the Welsh Institute of Sport.
2nd March 2009
U-18 Welsh School Finals takes place in Wrexham
The RAF U18 Welsh Schools Finals will take place at Glyndwr University, Wrexham on Wednesday 4th March. The eight schools taking part will be competing to win the important U18 Welsh School title. The eight schools will be split into two groups with all matches being played at the University with the top two from each group then playing off in a semi- final and final format. The final will take place at 15:00.
2nd March 2009
New rule (free hit)
Members may have seen the recent announcement from the FIH of the new rule to be implemented at International level on 1st May 2009 which has been used in the current European Hockey League. Whilst the date of introduction at domestic level is currently under discussion it was felt best to advise all those involved with hockey of the rule now.
2nd March 2009
Cardiff & UWIC win but Whitchurch slip to a defeat
In the vital relegation matches, Cardiff & UWIC beat University of Birmingham 2-1 with goals from Naughalty and Jones but a Whitchurch defeat by Firebrands 0-1 leaves both clubs still in dire need for points. This coming Saturday's match at WIS, Cardiff at 13:30 between the two Welsh clubs could prove vital in trying to avoid automatic relegation.
