New hockey club to broaden horizons for junior hockey players

The newly-formed Western Hockey Club will be granting junior hockey players in Roodepoort and Krugersdorp the chance to take up hockey at club level, while still playing junior hockey.

Typically, junior hockey players on the West Rand (Roodepoort in particular) are confined to playing club hockey for a limited number of clubs, which at times may make it a bit difficult for the player. Club hockey is a vital part of developing hockey players beyond their current level, especially as far as the mental aspect of the game is concerned.

Often, players will develop as far as they can within their school structure, and then stagnate as they can’t go on to a different level of hockey to further develop their skills. Westerns looks set to change that, as they will be providing hockey training for hockey players from as early as mini hockey right up to open level.

“Western Hockey Club prides itself on taking hockey training above and beyond that which is offered in the typical school system – for the benefit of players and schools alike,” said one of the club’s coaches, Andrew Perkin. “All our coaches hold SA Hockey Association accreditation, and are active players in various Southern Gauteng leagues.”

The club’s junior hockey is divided into two sections: mini – up to U/13, and junior – from U/14 to open. The mini section’s practices take place every Saturday morning, at Canterbury Preparatory School, in Honeydew. Round robin tournaments will take place at various venues throughout the season.

The junior section trains at Krugersdorp High School every Wednesday evening. Juniors will participate in the Southern Gauteng league on Friday nights, from May onward. If you would like more information on the club, you can contact the club’s chairperson, Tracey Morton, on 082 494 7104.