EGHC - Men's New Club Captain 

"Dear EGHC Members,

It is a huge honour to be taking on the role of Men's Club Captain, and one that I am incredibly proud to accept.

For those who don't know me, I have been a member of EGHC since 2017, having arrived in East Grinstead from Norfolk. I was given a fantastic welcome when I joined the club, and it didn't take long for EGHC to become somewhere I considered home. I have played for the Men's 2s ever since, as well as coaching within our junior section. Away from the club, I work at Brambletye Prep School, where I have been for over nine years and am currently Deputy Head Pastoral and Head of Hockey.

I have always been passionate about sport - particularly hockey, cricket and golf - and about the clubs I am fortunate enough to represent. What I love about EGHC is that it combines so many of the things that make sport special: genuine passion for the game, outstanding hockey, excellent facilities and, most importantly, a fantastic group of people. I am incredibly proud to call EGHC home, and I am looking forward to doing my bit to help our Men's section continue to prosper.

Firstly, I want to pay tribute to Mike Lewis, who has done an outstanding job over the past couple of years. Under Mike's leadership, we have seen significant growth in membership, our 2nd–5th teams have achieved promotion, and - perhaps most importantly - he has helped strengthen the fantastic culture that exists within our section. I am very lucky to be taking on this role with both our Men's and Women's sections in such a healthy position. Mike has left some big shoes to fill (and has told me so too!), but I am delighted that he will remain at the heart of the club through his role as Head of Junior Hockey.

Looking ahead, I think it would be unrealistic to expect back-to-back promotions across all of our teams. However, whilst success is more than just the league table, we will be setting our sights on winning every game we play and finishing as high as possible. Future promotions are most definitely part of our plans! Alongside this, the performance and consistency of our teams on the pitch, the commitment and enjoyment we have off it, and the development of the talented players coming through our exceptional junior programme. Having 1st Teams in the National Premier League puts our club on the map, and the concoction of the above mentioned makes our club amongst the very best.

One of my priorities will therefore be to build on our recent progress by improving the structure and continuity across all of our teams. Having spoken to our captains and coaches, I am hugely reassured by the quality of the personnel we have in place. Josh Green (M2s Head Coach) has already got to work with this, showing me the skill and dedication we have amongst us. There is an excellent blend of experience, ambition and enthusiasm across the whole of Men's section, and I am genuinely excited to see what we can achieve together.

Ultimately, however, this role is about more than teams, results and league positions. It is about making sure that everyone who pulls on an EGHC shirt feels proud to do so. Whether you have been at the club for decades, are playing your first season for the Men's 6s (our new team this year!), are coaching our juniors or are one of the many people who give their time to support the club, you are part of what makes EGHC great.

I would also like to extend a very warm welcome to Beth Giddings as she takes on the corresponding Women's Club Captain role. Beth has been a hugely valued member of the Women's 2nd Team and I know she will prove to be a tremendous asset to the club.

Finally, I hope everyone is raring to get started. I cannot wait to see our teams back out on the pitch, competing hard, supporting one another and fighting for the badge. And, of course, I look forward to seeing plenty of you afterwards in the clubhouse, hopefully soaking up a few glorious victories along the way!

Here's to a fantastic season for EGHC".

Will