Busy Blitz’s for the Youth
Last Sunday (7th February) we hosted the ‘Outer Belfast Region’ Boys Under 9, 11 and 13 Blitz Day. Although it was a very cold day, the boys managed to dodge the rain.
We had teams in all age groups from Annadale, NICS and Ballynahinch. For the boys in the Under 9 Section, this was their first taste of an Ulster Hockey tournament set up. They played very well and were learning and improving with every match. We had one team in each of the Under 9 and 11 age categories and two in the Under 13 age group. All teams performed extremely well with all the boys showing great play, determination, and team spirit. Special thanks go to our coaches Peter Whyte, Jo Irwin and Alan Irwin for all their words of wisdom, encouragement and time spent with the boys!
The Tournament was run to precision all thanks to our ‘timekeepers and helpers’ Fiona Emmerson, Jenna Hoey, Sophie McClements, and Catherine Douglas . . . thanks girls – you were absolutely brill !
Whilst the Boys were busy in Comber, the Under 11 and 13 Girls travelled to play their North Down Region Blitz at Aurora in Bangor. We had two teams entered in each age group. The Girls sections are vast with ten visiting clubs in each, which meant busy match schedules! Again all four teams had super results with each team enjoying some winning success. Special mention however goes to our Under 11 P7 Girls team. This is their fourth Blitz event and they remain undefeated ! Many thanks to Kathy Taylor who kept me company last Sunday at a very cold, then we got rained on afternoon at the Aurora Pitch.
All in all a very successful days hockey for our Youth last Sunday. Many thanks to all participants, dedicated supporters (mums and dads etc !) and also to our coaches and helpers for all their organisation, enthusiasm and who made this possible.
The Girls Blitz Days are now finished. Under 11 Finals Day is on 28th February and Under 13s on 13th March at Lisnagarvey. Due to the huge number of girls teams, we can only take one team for each category.
The Boys may have one more Blitz day (the reschedule South Antrim venue – date to be confirmed). The Boys Finals Days are on the same dates as the girls but will be held at Ballymena Academy. We have one team entered in Under 11 and two in the under 13 age groups.