The Isle of Wight Underwater Hockey Club (IWUHC) recently sent a group of junior players to join a regional team and compete in a national tournament held in the Midlands. The team, known as Team South East, included 11 juniors from various locations in the South East, such as Southampton, Bournemouth, West Wickham, St Albans, and Guildford. The competition took place at the Perdiswell Leisure Centre in Worcester and featured categories for U11, U14, and U16 players.
According to Tim Cockayne, representing the IWUHC, the competition was tough as the regional teams from across England provided formidable opposition. For five of the Isle of Wight junior players and their coach, this event marked their debut in competitive underwater hockey. Despite not achieving their desired results, Tim expressed that the experience gained by the players was invaluable and that it was a fantastic day overall.
In addition to participating in the tournament, the IWUHC’s juniors had the opportunity to test their skills against strong opponents and learn from the competitive atmosphere. The event served as a valuable learning experience for the young players, allowing them to gain insight into the level of play and sportsmanship required at the national level.
The IWUHC, based at the Waterside Community Pool in Ryde, continues to provide training and support for underwater hockey enthusiasts, nurturing the talent of young players and preparing them for competitive events. The club’s participation in the national tournament demonstrates its commitment to developing the sport and providing opportunities for junior players to showcase their skills on a larger stage.
The members of Team South East, including the representatives from the Isle of Wight, displayed sportsmanship and determination throughout the competition, reflecting the values instilled by the IWUHC and the supportive environment in which they train. As they continue to hone their abilities and gain experience in underwater hockey, these young players undoubtedly have a bright future ahead in the sport.
In conclusion, the IWUHC’s junior players, alongside their regional teammates, embraced the challenge of competing in a national tournament and emerged with valuable experience and lessons learned. The club’s dedication to supporting and developing young talent has been evident through its participation in such events, and the juniors’ positive attitude and sportsmanship reflect positively on the IWUHC and the sport of underwater hockey as a whole.