ONE of the stars of Team GB at the Rio Olympics will be visiting Warwick Hockey Club this Saturday to help launch a national campaign aimed at celebrating the social and friendly aspect of playing the sport.
Olympic hockey star Hannah Macleod, who helped Team GB strike gold after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands, will be celebrating HockeyFest at Aylesford School in Gallows Hill from 1-6pm.
As the nation tuned in to watch Team GB’s hockey heroines make history at the Rio Olympics by taking gold at their first ever Olympic final, more people than ever want to give this exciting sport a go.
In 2015 an impressive 335 clubs started the season with a bang by taking part in HockeyFest and over a quarter saw a growth in membership numbers from the previous season.
Since 2011 the number of junior players has increased by 64% as more people have been inspired since London 2012 when Great Britain women’s hockey team took home a bronze medal.
And Warwick is just one of hundreds of clubs across the country opening their doors this summer to new and current players.
“After this summer’s magnificent sporting success, many people are keen to try a new sport and want to have fun while staying fit and active,” said Rich Beer, director of development at England Hockey.
“HockeyFest gives families the ideal opportunity to visit their local hockey club and see what it has to offer all ages and abilities.
“Over the last four years, we’ve seen a very encouraging uplift in grassroots participation and building on this success, we’ll be getting the new season off to a flying start by welcoming even more people to the hockey community.
Over 250 hockey clubs across the UK have signed up to be a part of HockeyFest 2016 – to find your nearest session, or learn more about the sport, visit www.greatbritainhockey.co.uk/PlayHockey or follow on Twitter @EnglandHockey or @_GBHockey #HockeyFest
