Beeston Hockey Club will be sending four sides to the upcoming, autumn tournament, sponsored by Russell Scanlan, as both the Men’s and Women’s, 1sts and 2nds will be competing, alongside a number of other clubs.
Taking place on the weekend of the 11/12 September, some 28 teams will be in competition, 14 men and 14 women, with each tournament, on a round robin basis, being further split into two groups of seven (35 mins per game, 17.5 mins each way).
An impressive, 65 clubs, registered interest, which was then whittled down to the 28 teams taking part over what will be a busy weekend of action at the Nottingham Hockey Centre.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, David Griffiths, Deputy Chairman of Beeston Hockey Club, said: “Prior to the new pitches opening at Nottingham Hockey Centre, there was no pre-season tournament big enough to get this many clubs together at the same venue.
“After a year of lockdowns, we felt that the time was right to unveil a large national pre-season tournament.
“We now have the facilities and resources to make it happen. We want to provide an event that gives the players, coaches and supporters the opportunity to gather safely and reconnect.
“We’re thrilled to have the support of the National Programme Umpiring Association to provide high quality officiating at the tournament.
“The lockdown months have taught us that sport, exercise and communication contribute so massively to positive health and wellbeing – and this tournament provides us with the platform to address those needs.
“But without the support of local business who recognise what we are trying to achieve here, it would be a very difficult project to get over the line.
“The team at Russell Scanlan were quick to realise the wider benefits that the tournament will undoubtedly bring to Nottingham.
“We’re confident that this partnership will also open the door to other businesses keen to get involved with the club.
“For those that know of the club, but haven’t visited for a while, we would urge you to come and take a look – it’s quite extraordinary how the club has expanded and become the largest hockey club in The Midlands.”
The groups have been drawn as follows, with both Men, and Women, competing throughout the Saturday, and Sunday, both days running between 9am and 7pm.
- Men’s Division 1 – Beeston 1s, Birmingham University, Brooklands MU, Cardiff & Met, University of Nottingham, Olton & West Warwickshire, City of Peterborough
- Men’s Division 2 – Bedford, Beeston 2s, Belper, Didsbury North, Harleston Magpies, Repton, Timperley
- Women’s Division 1 – Beeston 1s, Birmingham University, Cambridge, Clifton Robinsons, Leicester City, University of Nottingham, Swansea
- Women’s Division 2 – Bedford, Beeston 2s, Brooklands Poynton, Chelmsford, Khalsa Leamington, Penarth, Timperley
Long-term supporter of Beeston Hockey Club, Mike Dickinson, Sales & Marketing Director at Russell Scanlan, added: “We could not have been more delighted to be contacted for our backing.
“Russell Scanlan has a very long history of supporting great local charities and sporting organisations that engage with our local communities and provide services that can have a real impact.
“And we should be rightly proud of a club that has both a proud heritage and promising future.
“We do hope that this marks another long-term partnership in the making.”
Containing a long, and fruitions history, dating back some 114 years, to 1907, Beeston Hockey Club is now the largest club in the Midlands, boasting over 750 members, and a very strong, community support; meanwhile, Russell Scanlan will, this year be celebrating its 140th birthday, it being founded back in 1881.
Keep up-to-date with the regular goings-on at Beeston Hockey Club via beestonhockeyclub.com.
*Article provided by Peter Mann (Senior Correspondent).
*Main image @OfficialBeeHC Sales & Marketing Director at Russell Scanlan Mike Dickinson with Club Treasurer Adam Milson.
