After some excitement on Saturdays and are you aged between 11 and 16? Why not volunteer to be on Ball Patrol for our Men’s 1s?
See some fast-paced, high level hockey at very close range! Our Men’s 1s and Ladies 1s are both now playing in the National League . You can play your part in supporting them !
The Ball Patrol volunteers generally come from U12 and U14 squads as there are less likely to be clashes with school matches. It is a fantastic opportunity for the boys and girls (and their parents!) to see fast and skilful hockey at close quarters.
Interview with one of 2020’s Ball Patrollers, Milo:
What’s so good about being on Ball Patrol? It’s really good fun and the players are really nice. You get to watch some really good hockey and support your club.
Is it hard to do? No. You sometimes have to sprint down the line to keep up with play but you only have to look after one quarter of the pitch so it’s not too bad. Essentially you just need to concentrate and make sure that you are ready to put the ball on the line when it comes near your section.
Anything else you can add? What was really good was being allowed to listen to the team talk at half time and hearing the tactics for a high level hockey team which you can try and use in your own games!
This is what our Men’s 1s Captain Sion Owen had to say: More than ever we are aspiring to play quick free flowing hockey and the ball patrollers are a key part of this. They did an amazing job last season and will be just as important this year as we push for national league. Being attentive and enthusiastic are key attributes in making a good ball patroller. Watching our games and being part of the team talks hopefully provides some insights into senior hockey. Becoming a National League side is our sole goal this year and we are looking forward to the challenge ahead!
HERE’S THE DEAL
The Men’s 1s team regularly help with coaching and umpiring on Sundays . In return for this the Boys section aim to provide the Men’s 1s with 4 boys for Ball Patrol for each of their home fixtures which you can find here.
How does it work?
The boys and girls just need to know the rules of hockey and be confident enough to place the ball on the line or provide one to players on the pitch. There are around 7 home fixtures before and 7 after Christmas which are will now nearly always be played on Saturdays at King’s House School Sports Ground .
We have set up a Teamer squad to which we will add the boys from Y7-Y10. When there is a home game coming up we will send out an invitation to those boys and we will take the first 4 who reply. Helen Taylor, mum to three hockey playing boys, has very kindly offered to help with the Ball Patrol management. We always love more help so please get in touch if you would like to share the admin on this – many hands make light work!
Parents – If your son is on Ball Patrol we ask that you get there 15 minutes before the game starts for the boys to meet the team and get their bibs on. We would ask that at least one of you stays throughout the match to keep an eye on the boys.
What to wear – You will need to wear your London Wayfarers kit but if it’s cold then wear tracksuits and tops – black if possible. Shin pads are compulsory and mouth-guards are encouraged as you are obviously right at the edge of play. We will provide Ball Patrol bibs or possibly tops depending on the weather.
Who to contact – Helen Taylor & Jo Darley via [email protected]
One Club. One Family.