The 2025/2026 season for SNHC on and off the field was a very successful one and my thanks to all of the club for making this happen.

 

We set out for it to be a year of consolidation and that is exactly what we achieved and although the men’s 1st XI flirted with promotion at one point, it all settled down and it was great that our objectives of no relegations nor promotions was achieved.  Don’t get me wrong this was not down to a lack of ambition, more of the impact if we had been promoted.

 

Our playing risks were around whether the 2nd XI and Ladies after being promoted could maintain their new league status – which they did – and the 3rd XI avoiding the skirmish they had with relegation the previous season which they also did.

 

The final league positions were:

 

Men’s 1’s – a very credible 4th

Ladies – 8th

2’s – 9th

3’s – 7th

4’s – Joint 3rd with other development teams

 

As I keep on reporting each season at the AGM once again – whilst not detracting at all from the rest - our youth shone through and it’s very satisfying to seeing the youngsters really step up across the club as they develop.  It’s a huge credit to them for the standard they play and the maturity they play with.

 

This of course is also a risk as the socio make up of the club is that this talent often moves off to university and whilst this will happen this year as well, I have to remind ourselves it happens every year and each year the next set of youngsters step up – quite inspirational.  To all those moving off to Uni, we wish you well.

 

The logistical issue we faced this season, as mentioned at the Awards night,is availability.  On paper we probably have enough playing members to field 5 men’s teams and 2 ladies but we regularly struggle to muster 4 men’s teams often having to double up etc.

 

As a plea/ask, I request please that all players make themselves more available on Saturday’s – we all have busy lives and sometimes of course can not avoid clashes but clearer availability would be extremely helpful please especially for the captains each week.  Thanks.

 

As ever, I am humbled by all the committee members who have put in a shift to allow us to play hockey.  Thank you.

 

Some of these stalwarts are stepping down from their positions and my thanks to them – I’ll cover this off when we elect the committee.  An exception in to this is to call out Eleanor Wallace who after I think 9 years as Ladies captain steps down with our huge thanks.  We’re delighted that she will continue to play for us.

 

Off the pitch socially we have had the busiest season for a long time with yet another successful Awards Night, trips to the Ice Hockey, a very well attended Christmas bash and even teams doing their own social gatherings.  There is a great buzz to this club.  So you know we do get this consistent feedback when new members arrive – we make them feel welcome and are inclusive – thank you.  Makes me proud!

 

Financially, we are sound as we have been for a long time now.  You all know this is a focus of mine and again we’ll leave this for the Treasurer’s report but we have invested this year – which we should do – and we need to keep more on top of the match taxes coming in in a timely fashion rather then the captains have to chase periodically.  Support for this across the club would be appreciated please.

 

Financially, some whispy clouds are on the horizon in terms of trends and if we address these now we will be fine – see Treasurers report.

 

So 2025/2026 another outstanding year for the youngsters, quiet reflection for us elders, financially secure, much improved socially, amazing new kit (thanks Grozzy) and consolidation on the playing field – I love it when a plan comes together!

 

Finally, thank you for all your support – you’ve been outstanding.

 

Next season we refresh and go again focusing on please:

 

• Better availability

• Timely payment of subs and match taxes please

• Having even more fun

 

I remain humbled and in debt when making these presentations regarding just how much people do and get done to allow us all to play this great game of hockey.

 

Thank you.

 

Simon Recaldin

Chair

South Nottingham Hockey Club