Monday night club at Pelicans celebrates anniversary

A new weekly initiative aimed at attracting players to the sport of hockey in West Norfolk celebrated its first birthday last week.The Monday night session at Pelicans Hockey Club first opened its doors to the public last September as a way of getting more parents involved with helping the junior section either by managing, coaching or umpiring the youngsters.It has almost doubled in numbers from its opening night with many participants not knowing how to play the sport.Several participants hadn’t even picked up a hockey stick but now have the confidence and skill to feature for some of the club’s adult sides.Club president Charlie Lankfer explained: “After the club had decided to run the training sessions we didn’t know if there was going to be any interest, or how long it would go on for.”On the first night, nearly 30 people turned up which was great. Some hadn’t played for a few years and others had never picked up a stick before, but all wanted to learn, have fun and potentially get out of the house for an hour each week.”We now have around 50 signed up, not all can come each week due to work/families etc which works as no pressure on anyone to attend or not. “The good thing is we keep getting new people wanting to join in so please don’t be shy and remember many of the gang had never picked up a stick before so nothing is stopping you from getting involved.” Pelicans Hockey Club runs seven adult teams and two development sides each Saturday.So far, 15 of the Monday night gang have already played at least one game for the adult teams already and have also been on the scoresheet as well.”It has been amazing to watch their progression from where they started,” added Lankfer. Many thanks must go to Tracy Bower, Chris Hallum, Yorkie, Charlie Lankfer and Chris Willett for their time coaching the gang.If you would like to try a new sport or get back into hockey aged 18 and over then please come along to Alive Lynnsport on a Monday night from 7 to 8.30pm. All you need to start with is sportswear and lots of enthusiasm and the club will take care of the rest as sticks can be supplied if needed.Pelicans has had several cricketers join the sessions as they see it as a way of keeping their eye in over the winter months. Now the club is looking to start a walking hockey session so would be good to hear from those who would be interested.Pelicans offers training for all abilities and ages. The other training days are as follows.Junior training for ages 6 to 12 Saturday mornings 9am to 10.30am.Boys Development (13+) Tuesday 6pm to 7.30pm Men’s training Tuesday 7.30pm to 9pmGirls’ Development (13+) Wednesday 6pm to 7pmLadies’ Training Thursday 6pm to 7.30pmFor more details on the club please visit the website at: https://www.pelicanshockeyclub.co.uk/