At this time of year, I like to write. It’s another of those reset points you get in a year where you can reflect and look forward to what is to come. September is when the pent up enthusiasm and energy is released. Preparation ends, fixtures and activity begins.
You may not realise this, but Adel – by membership size – is now the biggest club In the city of Leeds. All of this with one pitch, and led by a community of over 200 volunteers. With development comes more challenges. We are, for the majority of the year, full – employing a waiting list during these times. A club of our size and stature needs to keep up with the demands of its membership, whilst retaining its core vision of offering hockey for all in a fun and friendly manner.
Those demands, before anything else, come down to two key elements – match day and training experience. We always have a focus on these fundamentals as a committee, and I’d like to give you an update on a number of factors in relation to them.
Infrastructure
I am so pleased to be able to share with you that we have been granted full planning permission by Leeds City Council for the construction of a pitch-side changing and club facility. Thanks in no small part to Andrew Grindrod, who has led on the project as far, to Nick Cooper for believing in my pipe dream many years ago to put something pitch-side and doing the initial design work, and Ian Bath for his relentless work as our planning consultant.
This was an enormous hurdle to jump, with large, but calculated, financial risks taken. We’ve now achieved what we set out to do! But, we’ve now the mountain of funding to climb. The good old days of grants flying around are over, and so we will be relying on the generosity of members, the public and companies; alongside innovative approaches to raising capital to achieve the build.
It cannot be understated how important it is we now complete this project. Four fit for purpose and modern changing rooms, with a club room to be proud of, will take us to the next level – making us the complete one pitch club.
Please keep your eyes peeled for ways you can help. If you are someone, or know of someone or a company, that might wish to contribute to the project please get in touch.
Coaching and pitch time
We are committed to providing the best possible coaching for players across our club; from the under 8s through to the 1st teams. This year we have vastly increased our coaching budget to widen the access to top coaches across ability levels, improve our junior coaching structure, and give extra input and training to our volunteer coaches.
Alex Fletcher “Fletch” has signed with the club for the next 3 years – bringing national and international level coaching experience to the women’s 1 & 2s. His role this year has been expanded to include player and coach development throughout the women’s section, and aiding with the creation and implementation of our new junior syllabus.
Lewis Butcher “Butch” – head of hockey at GSAL – is new to working with the club. Over the summer he has been working with senior members and coaches to put together a teaching syllabus for the juniors – and internal coach development pathway. Expect to see him at times across the season.
At Adel, according to England Hockey, we have the highest proportion of state school children in a junior section of our size (or larger) in the country. We are very proud of this, and now we can bring some of the additional expertise from local paid-schools in the region to those kids. As someone who grew up educated in state schools – this is something I am particularly pleased to see occur.
Ben Hendley “Ben” – Club President – has remained as our Men’s 1st team coach – helping to implement the second session of training each week now offered, and shepherding a transition period in the squads make-up.
We’ve also got you extra pitch time – meaning there are opportunities for each player to train twice a week if they’d like. The 1st & 2nd teams have set second sessions, with additional pitch space available on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s for other squads to train too.
Committee turnover
Keeping a volunteer committee fresh with energy and ideas in my view is integral to the long term success of the club. After many years of service we have a changeover in three of our main roles this year.
To treasurer is John Holden. John has recently retired after a career at c-suite level, including directorships at NHS England, local large teaching hospital trusts, and once the private secretary to Secretary of State for Health. As well as this wealth of experience, he brings a fresh set of eyes and professionalism to the committee – I am very much looking forward to working with him.
Our new Women’s Club Captain is Bryony Wellman. Bryony was our membership secretary until this summer, stepping up after doing an excellent job in that role – implementing a system which saw 100% of fees collected. This, I promise you, is no easy task.
Finally, in our journey through the changes in the executive committee is Meg Burns-Stow. Meg starts her life as a teacher this September, and also as the new head of the junior section. She has big shoes to fill – given the development of the junior section under Jane over the past few years, but brings fresh enthusiasm and vigour to the role.
We’re lucky to have a full wider committee – it’s a great testament to those that are part of the club to see it fill with ease. Some other roles have changed personnel, and they’ll be introduced shortly on our social media pages.
Thanks, once again, to all those that have stepped down this year after giving so much time, enthusiasm and expertise.
On the note of helping out at the club – we have a number of regular umpires injured or away currently. This is causing some major issues in scheduling and we urgently need your help. If you are a qualified umpire, or interested in taking part in the free courses to do so then get in touch with Charlotte on umpires@leedsadelhc.co.uk
Development teams
New for 2025 to Adel are two development teams. These follow the “badgers” concept – where young people get a chance to play full 11-a-side, 70 minute hockey in a protected and learning environment. The teams will be mixed, targeted at 11 – 14 year olds, and led by Rich Partner and Jim Robinson. They’ll be assisted with some parents and members across the year. The teams will play 20 fixtures across the season, primarily at GSAL. When Adel plays Adel, however, they’ll have the 16.30 slot at home to experience a Adel match-day atmosphere. If you’d like to be involved in helping as an adult mentor in these games get in touch with Rich or Jim.
The teams are designed to be a place where juniors can develop, without flooding senior teams – retaining an excellent experience for our classical niche when attracting members – those who have just completed their education and moved to the city, looking for a place to call home, play and perhaps even set up a family.
The names Adel, not Leeds Adel?
Finally, I am of the opinion that it is time we lose the crutch of “Leeds” in our name. We all call ourselves Adel, have such a strong club identity, are the biggest club in the city, and one of the biggest in the region. In my view, we simply don’t need it. But, I’m looking to get your opinion. Do track me down and let me know it, or drop me a message. Of course any change would need to be agreed at the 2026 AGM – so plenty of time to work things out and canvas opinion.
Good luck to all teams this season. I suspect that this one may be fruitful.
Finished are the preparations – now time for the action.
Sam – Chair, Adel HC
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