My name is Michelle Wright and I have just taken up the role of Women’s Chair of Selectors.
I have been a member of the club for 27 years, playing for the Women’s 1st team since I was 14 years old and captaining the team for some of this. I have been a part of school, county, university and club hockey, playing and we spend a lot of time at hockey! I’m looking forward to helping to steer our fantastic younger club members through the women’s teams so they enjoy playing competitive hockey.
How does the Senior Team Selection work?
The Women’s 7s is a development team whereby we welcome our junior players who are 12 years old so they can get a taste of senior hockey. Alongside them are some experienced senior players and their manager Wendy Emes, who all help guide the transition into senior hockey. They play in the East Women’s Div 6 South East, with most of their home matches at Emerson Park School. Matches take place every Saturday between September-March, with a Christmas break, and are both home and away fixtures.
The step from junior to senior hockey sees some changes to how the games are structured. They are 11-a-side on a full sized pitch and 70 minutes long with a half time break. Substitutions are still rolling throughout the game. There will be a meet time, which allows for a warm up and team talk. Afterwards there are ‘teas’ provided at our clubhouse or at the opposition’s. Availability for the Saturday games is asked for in advance so that a team can be organised.
At 13 years old all players become eligible for any of our senior teams, whereby team selection is made weekly by the coaches, captains and chair of selectors.
We very much need and appreciate the support of parents for these games to take place. There is some travel within Essex for away fixtures and cheering from the sidelines is always invaluable.
We hope the girls enjoy their time playing in the 7th team and beyond!
