Louth Hockey Club News Articles

Come and join us

Tim Greenfield — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 19:01:01 +0100

Louth Hockey Club is actively seeking new players.

Don't worry if you haven't played before or haven't picked up a stick in a few years, everyone is welcome.

We have training for juniors on Mondays and seniors on Thursdays, plus we are planning a newcomer's session on September 11.

Message us for more details.

NEW PITCH OPENS!

Tim Greenfield — Sun, 18 Jul 2021 10:43:56 +0100

The long-awaited new pitch has now opened.

After a three year battle, the £180,000 new surface has now been completed and is ready for use.

The club was the first on the pitch, having successfully campaigned for a new Astro to replace the 22-year-old, worn out surface.

The club held an open day on Saturday July 3, with dozens of members of all ages turning out.

Chairwoman Lesley Ward said: “There was a tremendous turn out of juniors and seniors for what was a very proud day in the club’s history.

“To see three years of hard work come to fruition with a new playing surface was an emotional moment.

“The renewed enthusiasm and energy within the club will ensure that it will go from strength to strength, and it also means that league hockey continues to be played in Louth.

“We are an all-inclusive club and look forward to welcoming past and new members to the club.”

The progress at the site, which is operated by the Magna Vitae Trust, supports the programme of investment in the district’s sports facilities from East Lindsey District Council, which was agreed in February this year, with Louth Hockey Club also contributing £50,000 towards the project.

The £180,000 investment saw the replacement of the existing 20-year-old AstroTurf, which had reached the end of its life. This involved the removal of the existing artificial grass surfacing and shock pad, followed by the installation of a new shock pad and new sand-dressed synthetic grass.

Aeneas Richardson, executive director at Magna Vitae, said: “It’s incredible to see the new AstroTurf now finished, and ready for action.

“The new surface will see the continuation of sporting and leisure activities for Louth and the district. It will be great to see the new lease of life and enjoyment it will bring for the next 20 years to Louth and the surrounding area.”

Keep an eye on this website and our social media for news of training and summer camps.

Final training before new pitch work starts

Tim Greenfield — Sun, 16 May 2021 11:57:07 +0100

We held our final games on the old pitch before work starts to replace it.

Juniors and seniors were out in force for some fun mixed games.

Now the work starts to rip up the old surface and replace with a brand new artificial pitch.

Work is estimated to take six weeks.

Talented youngsters in action

Tim Greenfield — Tue, 11 May 2021 16:15:44 +0100

We have a great group of youngsters at Louth Hockey Club.

These images show some in action before work on the new pitch started.

Hopefully we will attract even more when the new surface opens, in July.

Final training before new pitch work starts

Tim Greenfield — Tue, 04 May 2021 11:28:27 +0100

Saturday, May 15 will be the final training sessions on the pitch before work starts on the new surface.

We will have junior and senior training on Monday and Thursdays, plus sessions on Saturday, May 8 and 15.

On Monday, May 17, work will start to remove the old pitch and prepare for laying the new surface.

Work is expected to take approximately six weeks.

Please keep an eye on our social media for a date for the opening on the new pitch.

Work to start on new pitch on May 17

Tim Greenfield — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 18:38:47 +0100

A new £180,000 artificial pitch for Louth and the surrounding area will be ready for use in early July.

The pitch, which will replace the 20-year-old surface at the London Road sports facility, will enable Louth Hockey Club to stay in the town and continue its success.

In mid-May contractors Dura-Sport will move on to the site, removing the old pitch and laying a new surface that can be played on by hockey and football players.

Louth Hockey Club chairwoman Lesley Ward said the news that the work was finally going ahead was fantastic and the culmination of a three-year fight to ensure the club and its 150 members still had a home in the town.

Speaking after a meeting at the site with representatives from the Dura-Sport, Aeneas Richardson, executive director. Magna Vitae Trust for Leisure & Culture, Louth Town Councillors Jill Makinson-Sanders and George Horton, Mrs Ward said: "It has been a momentous day and a real milestone for the club, as we now finally see the rewards for all our hard work. The new pitch will be top notch and enable us to develop the next generation of hockey players, as well as allowing our senior teams continue their league successes.

"Once again I would like to thank Louth Town Council, East Lindsey District Council, Magna Vitae and the community which has been massively supportive of our efforts over the last three years."

Work to install the new pitch will start in mid-May with the removal of the old surface, before preparations for the new 'grass' to be laid. It is likely to be complete by the beginning of July.

Louth Hockey Club is making a £10,000 contribution to the pitch project and is taking out a £40,000 loan from ELDC, to be repaid over 20 years.

Future is safe as new pitch on the way!

Tim Greenfield — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 08:36:10 +0000

Louth Hockey Club's future is safe now a new artificial pitch has been agreed and will be installed in the coming months - ready for the start of the 2021 season.

Well done to everyone associated with the club, Louth Town Council, ELDC, Magna Vitae, generous donors and the public, and anyone who has helped make this a reality. In the coming months the old pitch will be taken up and a new carpet laid - for all to enjoy.

Louth Hockey Club chairwoman Lesley Ward said: "I am absolutely over the moon we have finally got a new pitch - it means all our members, young and old, can look forward to playing hockey for many years to come. It has taken three years of hard work to get to this point, but we never gave up hope that it would happen. The dedication of our members and huge support we received ensured hockey will always have a home in Louth."

Hockey suspended from November 1

Tim Greenfield — Sun, 01 Nov 2020 15:42:25 +0000

That means no training or league matches will take place until the rules are relaxed.

The club has put in place strict Covid-19 guidelines for training and league games, meaning players aged 6 to 70 have been able to enjoy hockey in a completely safe environment.

There have been no Covid cases at Louth Hockey Club, which is thanks to the hard work of committee members and players who have followed the rules since July.

The decision has been taken at a time when hockey in Louth has never been more popular. There have been fantastic numbers at training and even a waiting list to book on. The progress of the new players coming through is visible to all.

We hope to be back on the pitch soon. In the mean time.. Stay safe and well.

Guide for visiting players

Tim Greenfield — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 20:13:18 +0100

Here is a guide for visiting players for the 2020/21 season. Please make sure you read and share with opposition teams before games.

Players to park in the carpark and make their way to the pitch down the side of the building.
Should players need to use the changing/toilet facilities (This is only for essential use – All players should try and attend already changed) they should enter the building through the side door (marked on the above picture with a star) and enter the AWAY changing room. A LHC member will be on hand to guide players.
The only indoor facilities available are one changing room with toilets. These are cleaned after every use and will be designated to one team ‘bubble’.
Players to then socially distance in line with EH and government guidance.
On entering the pitch players MUST leave limited belongings on a designated coloured spot, pink toward dugouts, yellow toward goals, marked on the wooden side boards of the pitch. Use of the dugouts is strictly prohibited. A no-go area.
Indoor facilities will be locked during the game and unlocked for a maximum of 15 minutes afterwards. Players are encouraged to only use the facilities if it is absolutely essential and should travel home without changing unless there is an exceptional circumstance.

All of the above is to keep our members safe and well during these uncertain times, when visiting please support us and adhere to the above guidelines.

A reminder for all senior players

Tim Greenfield — Sun, 04 Oct 2020 17:04:33 +0100

A reminder for all senior players as the season gets underway.

All players must sign to say they are COVID Secure and symptom free before they enter the pitch. (Playing home or away)
The home Team should be directed to place their belongings at a yellow or pink spot marked on the side of the pitch. The away team should be directed to do the same at the other side.
At no point should the dug outs be used.
Players should bring limited kit onto the pitch. A stick and a drink. Any large kit bags/kit should be left in cars.
No player should handle the ball at any point during the game.
Player must wear their own face masks for short corners OR masks should be numbered/colour coded so they don’t get worn by more than one person. These MUST be sanitised after use.
Players and spectators must socially distance and not stand in groups of more than six when they are off the pitch. (Home and away)
A cleaning system is in the process of being put in place and the captains will be made aware of this so they can delegate at home games.
Players should be encouraged to scan in on the LHC QR code at the start of each match and sanitise.
Please ensure the table is put back and the pitch is locked at the end of a game.

We have to put the safety of us and visiting clubs first. It only takes one spectator to say we aren’t COVID secure and we will face a fine and disciplinary. Please can I ask that you are all vigilant and work with us to keep hockey on the go!

Fingers crossed we all have a successful season! Good luck