The role of volunteers in the Hockey community is invaluable, and their importance simply cannot be overstated.
Their dedication makes playing possible, and this was exemplified none more so than by Dowlais LHC’s Darren morgan-Lock, whose commitment to Indoor Hockey saw the formation of the new South Wales Hockey Indoor League.
Darren recently featured in January’s Hockey Wales Newsletter as Volunteer of the Month by John Taylor, Chair of the SWHIL.
"Darren has done an excellent job of reinvigorating Indoor Hockey in the region by establishing the South Wales Hockey Indoor League,” he explained. “It has been great to see so many teams taking part in the competition which has given players, umpires and officials the chance to get involved at all levels and abilities."
Darren, the SWHIL Treasurer and League Admin, embarked on the project last summer and subsequently went through a lengthy process to set the league up.
“I jumped at the chance because Indoor Hockey has always been a passion of mine,” he told Hockey Wales.
“I liaised with Chloe McCall (SWWHL Chair) to establish what Clubs would be interested in joining the League and I sent out entry forms to all Clubs in South Wales. The response was phenomenal with 28 teams entering!”
It has been incredible to see Darren and his fellow volunteers’ work come to fruition, with a brilliantly successful competition inspiring teams to already look forward to next year.
“When the league started in early December, it was amazing to finally see everything come together. The feedback was excellent, and teams were approaching me saying they can’t wait until next year.
“My highlight has to be seeing the teams play, and the players developing new skills that they can put into good use when practicing and playing for their clubs.
“I am most proud of the Technical Officials, Umpires and our League Coordinator, Linda Treharne, who all gave up so much of their time to help make the league a success. It was great to see that there is clearly a demand for indoor hockey in South Wales!”
It’s fantastic to see such enthusiasm and passion for hockey across Wales, with people giving their time to provide such eye-catchingly successful competitions throughout the year.
Having been involved in the sport since he was 13 years of age, Darren was never going to walk away, with volunteering seeming a natural progression.
“I retired from playing in 2014 to take up the whistle and officiating,” he confirmed.
“It’s about keeping involved with the sport that I love and has been a massive part of my life. For me personally, it is about giving something back.
"Volunteering has many benefits. Personally, it has allowed me to gain new experiences outside of just playing and it enables me to use my existing skills to benefit others, while also allowing me to develop new skills. Another highlight,” he continued, “is being able to meet new people, new clubs and new teams!
“Volunteers are the life blood of sports associations and sports clubs in Wales, from grassroots right up to performance,” he concluded. “Without volunteers, lots of events and activities would not take place. Without volunteers most sports clubs and associations would not exist.”
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