The hockey season has just ended and Amersham and Chalfont HC continued their momentum with another three promotions among their thirteen senior teams, and no relegations. The top teams play in the leagues just below the national ones, and the juniors regularly do well against their peers from the top clubs in the country.
The history of success is built on a long-term emphasis on high quality coaching and the club isn’t resting on its laurels. The coaching team is already strong and will be supplemented next year by help from the current GB squads. Rupert Shipperley, holder of 75 caps, and Hannah Martin, Olympic medal winner, ran some sessions towards the end of the season and will be regularly involved next year. They will be helping ACHCs coaches to develop and providing their expertise across the club.
Another key foundation for the club is its burgeoning junior section, with over 500 youngsters from age 5-18. Many transition to the top adult sides once they reach 13 and there’s a strong emphasis on fun and inclusion. At the end of March the club hosted tournaments for 4 local primary schools with 100 children from years 4 and 5 braving the rain and loving their first experience of playing on an astroturf pitch rather than a bumpy playground!
The club is open to all and new members are always welcome. Our players range in age from 5 to 85, with a growing Grand Master section, and in abilities from complete beginners (we have a Hockey Fundamentals group aimed at newbies or those who haven’t played for ages) to people who have played in the national leagues. They all find friendship and enjoyment at their great facilities just off Stanley Hill in Amersham. Have a look at ACHC.org.uk to find out more – even between seasons there is plenty happening over the summer.
