I hope you are enjoying the start of the 2018/19 season. Firstly, thank you for putting your faith in me as chairman. Those who know me well, will tell you I have far too much time on my hands, which I will mostly spend trying to improve the club experience for all members. I have taken over from Mark Beavis, with the club in a great state. He did a fantastic job as chairman, along with a few other roles too!

There are quite a few exciting developments coming this season. We have our new hockey development officer in place. Matt ‘Wolfie’ Godden will be tasked with outreach work into local schools. He will be working with our juniors with the help of our fantastic junior section volunteers which will hopefully bring on a new pack of talented and keen pups. His role is not just for developing juniors, he will be doing many things to help the club improve in general. Matt will also be coaching our women’s 1st XI who are already looking like a tough group of she wolves. I am determined to get that nickname to stick!

We have a new website, selection system and app with Pitchero. I know it will take a bit of time to get used to it and there will be a few teething problems but please make every effort to embrace the new technology, I believe it will really add to the club experience.

We are very proud to announce a few new sponsors. Simpkins Sweets have just signed up this week. Local sweet-rivals Sweet Peaks have also come on board offering a 15% discount code for members. They have some great sports nutrition products which our men’s 1st team absolutely love. Please give them a try!!

The big news is that Blenheim have agreed to be our flagship sponsor this season. Their very generous commitment has given us a financial boost to hit our fundraising target. Some companies are just finalising theirs deals but we are still looking for more sponsorship, so please let me know if you could help. The more we can consistently raise, the more we can do around the club without raising membership fees.

You can’t help but notice the building work at Abbeydale. When it is finished it should be a great improvement to the catering at the club. I look forward to working closely with Abbeydale. Having met with the management a few times now, I can assure you that they are determined to move forward together with us and make it one of the best venues around. I think the social side has improved hugely in the last few seasons. I have noticed a more positive attitude from all the teams not only at socials but every weekend. It really makes a difference when members support and make time for each other.

The women’s 1st team will play all their home games at 11:45am on Saturdays. If you can, pop down and cheer the she wolves on! Hopefully plenty of goals and no howlers… The men’s 1st team will play four home games on Sunday afternoons but five in the evening on Saturdays. This is aimed at allowing us to watch after we have played, have a few drinks and celebrate in the bar afterwards with the boys.

It is not all about our 1st teams, it would be great if home teams can meet for the start of the game preceding them to support whichever Sheffield team is playing. Then come out after teas to cheer on the team playing afterwards. I know not everyone will have the time, but we all play better with a bit of vocal support.

So, let’s welcome our visitors and support our teams in a positive and sporting way.