Christmas Message from Hoci Cymru CEO and Chair

Dear Members of Hoci Cymru,

As we approach the festive season, we wanted to take a moment, both as CEO, Chair and as a fellow member of our hockey family to reflect on the year we’ve shared and to extend my heartfelt thanks to every one of you for your commitment to the sport and to our community.

First, our thoughts are with everyone in Penarth as they take on the important task of rebuilding their clubhouse. The road ahead will require effort and perseverance, but with the support of Penarth Ladies and the wider sporting community, we look forward to supporting them and seeing the clubhouse thrive once again.

Across Wales, our membership remains strong and encouraging. Junior membership has grown by 2%, university participation has increased by a further 2%, and adult numbers are holding steady with last year, though we know a few players still need to complete their affiliation. These numbers reflect your continued passion and effort, and they give us every reason to be optimistic as we head into the new year.

We would like to give special recognition to the volunteers, coaches, officials, organisers, committee members, parents, and countless others, who keep our sport moving forward. Without your time, energy, and unwavering dedication, Hockey in Wales simply wouldn’t be what it is today. Thank you for everything you bring to the game.

A huge thank you to everyone who supported our crowdfunder to help send the U21 Women’s team to the Junior World Cup in Chile. Your generosity shows the incredible strength of our hockey family and brings these talented athletes closer to competing on the world stage. The team’s achievements at the World Cup have been amazing. Finishing 14^th and above their ranking of 20^th, beating South Africa and giving India a real scare. A fantastic tournament that has made the hockey public take note of Wales.

We have a busy and exciting indoor season ahead, especially over the festive and New Year period. We wish every team competing the very best of luck, and we would like to extend sincere thanks to the South Wales Indoor League for their hard work in delivering such a fantastic competition year after year.

Looking ahead, 2026 promises to be a milestone year for the sport in Wales. We’ll see club competitions flourish, our teams compete across Europe, crucial World Cup qualifiers, and the master’s Indoor and Outdoor World Cups. There is so much to look forward to, and we are confident we will rise to every challenge and celebrate many successes together.

In 2026, we will also take part in the School Sport Survey. A fantastic opportunity for every young person in our community to recognise hockey as a sport they already enjoy or would love to try if given greater access. The results of this survey will play an important role in shaping future opportunities and influencing the level of funding we receive, making it a crucial step for the growth of our sport.

As we enjoy the season, we encourage everyone to look out for each other, especially older or more isolated members of our community who may find it difficult to get out and about during colder weather. A call, a visit, or a simple check-in can make a world of difference.

On behalf of the entire organisation, we wish you and your loved ones a warm, safe, and very Merry Christmas. Thank you for your continued support, passion, and belief in Welsh hockey. We look forward to all we will achieve together in the year ahead.

Nadolig Llawen

With best wishes,

Paul Whapham

CEO, Hoci Cymru

Bill Riley

Chair, Hoci Cymru