Summer 2016 News
To new and existing members, friends and family, we are delighted to update everyone with news and plans for the club.
2015 – 16 was of course such a fantastic season with promotion for the ladies 2’s and men’s 5’s and the men’s 1’s making history with promotion to the national league. Flushed with this success, the Club Management Team has been very busy with preparations to ensure we remain focused on our vision –
“A national league club and centre of hockey excellence providing growth, development and enjoyment for men’s, ladies & junior hockey at all levels”
Consistent with a vision which now includes the shaping of our ‘centre of hockey excellence’ we have five key objectives for 2016 / 17: –
| Objective | Measure | |
| 1 | Men’s 1’s & 2’s Development Plan | Consolidation in respective leagues |
| 2 | Ladies Development Plan | Consolidate success of 2s & maximise potential of all teams. |
| 3 | Youth Section Succession Plan | Controlled transition to new Youth Management Team |
| 4 | Centre of Excellence | Commencing a viable project to develop a 2 pitch site |
| 5 | Financial Stability | Support investment opportunities identified in Plan. |
Underpinning these five objectives we will of course continue to update and review the focus of our ’24 Point Action Plan’ to ensure the smooth and effective running of the three hockey sections and the general management of the Club.
One area identified for improvement going forward is the Club’s communication strategy. Underpinning this will be three newsletters issued during the year (Summer; Christmas and a Spring edition following the AGM). The CMT will use these newsletters to provide the membership with a progress report in the five key objectives and the general action plan.
Centre of Excellence
Success in this key objective will be measured by Oxton Hockey Club providing a two pitch centre with the facilities and coaching to support the development of individuals from when they first start playing hockey, through to achieving their highest potential which can of course be to play at national league standard.
With this vision, we are pleased to report on progress made during the summer: –
- The continued appointment of the very best coaching staff in the area;
- New Harrods goals have been ordered and will be ready for the start of the season;
- Pitch side storage facilities will likewise be installed ready for use in September;
- Melinda has kindly agreed to Chair a Pitch Project to identify and proactively pursue opportunities to develop a 2nd pitch;
- We have welcomed a new management and catering team to the clubhouse;
- General refurbishments have been completed at the clubhouse; and
- We continue to make the clubhouse more of a home with the addition of the Oxton Hockey Club honours board enabling us to once again display an important part of our history.
Success does of course come at a price and we are appreciative of the support we receive from the Club’s sponsors – sincere thanks for the generous contribution you make to the Club’s funds.
With such ambitious plans, we do however need more!
With this in mind, we would be delighted to talk to any Club members, friends and family who might consider becoming a sponsor of the Wirral’s first and only national league club. We have a range of sponsorship opportunities and would be pleased to discuss these with you.
Birkenhead Hockey Club
Members may already be aware that a couple of our men have decided they’d like to take on the challenge of running their own hockey club and have created a new, Birkenhead Hockey Club.
We did meet with the lads and listened to their views on how they believe Oxton should be moving forward and we will consider implementing some of the ideas that they shared with us. We are obviously disappointed when any player decides to leave the Club, however we also understand that in any relationships things can break down such that it is in everyone’s best interests that they move on.
We wish Birkenhead Hockey Club all the very best and encourage you to build your club on all of the values and principles that you’ve experienced being part of Oxton. Do this and you won’t go far wrong!
Come and join the Club Management Team
One of the biggest changes we’ve seen over the past five years has been the growth and development of the Club Management Team. Our primary objective has been to appoint more volunteers performing smaller, manageable roles within the Club. We’re encouraged by the progress that has been made, however we do need more help and we would be pleased to hear from any players (and family members) who might be able to help perform a role whether that is: –
- Supporting the team captains, and taking on a Vice Captain role;
- Developing as an Umpire;
- Developing as a Coach;
- Helping with the coaching and general organisation of the Junior Section; or
- The general administration and organisation of the Club.
So with lots of really positive stuff going on, we look forward to another exciting year with great hockey being played at all levels of the Club and everyone enjoying the very special friendships we make through team sport.
See you soon, and
Best wishes
Steve Riddiough
Club Chairman.