Dear Sports Community,
Jake Inwood, the General Manager of Hockey Manawatu, has a message for everyone in our vibrant hockey community. Located in Palmerston North, Hockey Manawatu Inc. is committed to promoting and developing hockey across New Zealand. Jake wants to ensure that everyone, regardless of age or skill level, has opportunities to participate and thrive in the game. 🏑
Hockey Manawatu is getting ready to bring back their 11 aside club-based competition in 2024. The season kicks off on the 12th of February and promises a fantastic platform for teams to compete and showcase their talent. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the sport, there's a spot for you to get involved.
Beyond competitions, Jake and his team put a lot of focus into development programmes for young players. With offerings for children in the U11, U13, and U15 age groups, the aim is to enhance skills and foster a love for hockey. Their in-school programmes are also designed to introduce the sport to a wider audience and nurture budding talent.
Jake is particularly proud of Hockey Manawatu's representative teams. These teams, such as the U18 Girls and the Women's NHC team, compete at a higher level and are mentored by experienced coaches. It's all about supporting players to reach their full potential and represent the region with pride.
Recognising the vital roles of umpires and coaches, Hockey Manawatu invests heavily in training and development programmes to maintain high standards in the game. These programmes are an essential part of ensuring that fair play and skilled coaching are upheld across all levels.
Jake Inwood leads a dedicated team at Hockey Manawatu. Jayne Mossman, the Operations and Events Manager, manages turf and facility bookings, and oversees the bar and café. Will McPhail, the Competitions Manager, handles all competition-related matters. Meanwhile, Hannah Bailey, who looks after Participation and Development, is focused on various development programmes and in-school hockey delivery.
Safety is a top priority, and Jake wants to remind everyone that Hockey Manawatu is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment. Measures are in place to minimise risks, and there's a dedicated health and safety page for members to access relevant information or report any incidents.
The Twin Turf facility on Manawaroa Street is the main venue for activities, but competitions might also be hosted in other surrounding areas.
Jake and the team are grateful for the support from funders and sponsors. Their contributions are invaluable in helping Hockey Manawatu thrive. For those wanting to stay updated, following Hockey Manawatu on social media or visiting their website is the best way to keep in the loop.
Thank you for being a part of the Hockey Manawatu community. Let's make 2024 a great year for hockey in Palmerston North! 😊
Best,
The Hockey Manawatu Team