Counties in England, which are sub-areas in London, play a pivotal role in the delivery of a range of hockey activities, encompassing local school and club competitions to representative hockey at both junior and Masters level. These counties are represented at the Area level on the Junior League and Competition Committee and hold voting membership in both England Hockey and their respective Area.
The extensive roster of counties comprises Avon, Kent, Bedfordshire, Lancashire, Berkshire, Leicestershire, Buckinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, London, Cheshire, Norfolk, Cornwall, Northamptonshire, County Durham, Northumberland, Cumbria, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Oxfordshire, Devon, Shropshire, Dorset, Somerset, Essex, Staffordshire, Gloucestershire, Suffolk, Guernsey, Surrey, Hampshire, Sussex, Herefordshire, Warwickshire, Hertfordshire, Wiltshire, Isle Of Man, Worcestershire, Jersey, and Yorkshire. Each county makes a significant contribution to the diverse landscape of hockey in England.
The County Standing Committee (CSC), a collective group of counties, convenes regularly to deliberate on hockey delivery within the counties and the London sub-Area. Their discussions and insights culminate in valuable advice provided to England Hockey. Membership in the CSC is periodically refreshed, ensuring that the committee remains dynamic and representative of the ever-evolving landscape of local hockey. In addition, there is a sub-committee dedicated to overseeing Performance activity in the counties and London sub-Area, and this sub-committee reports directly to the CSC.
The counties not only facilitate hockey competitions and activities but also serve as a breeding ground for fostering talent and nurturing the next generation of hockey superstars. The local and club competitions that take place at the county level provide aspiring young athletes with the platform to showcase their skills and passion for the sport. Additionally, the representative hockey at junior and Masters level offers a pathway for players to climb the ranks and make a mark in the broader hockey community.
The contribution of England’s counties to the hockey landscape is invaluable, and their dedication plays a decisive role in shaping the future of the sport. Through local and club competitions, representative hockey, and active participation in committees such as the CSC, the counties continue to be at the forefront of enriching the hockey experience for players and fans alike.
In conclusion, the counties in England, including the London sub-Area, form the foundation of the nation’s hockey infrastructure. Their commitment to fostering talent, facilitating competitions, and actively contributing to the decision-making process reflects their unwavering dedication to the sport. As such, these counties deserve recognition and appreciation for their significant role in perpetuating the legacy of hockey in England.