Last season we had a very successful pre season training programme that meant we had a very good start to the league. We would like to build on that programme for the new season. The plan is for some summer sessions just to keep in touch on the first Sunday of each month. We will then start pre season training at the end of August and aim for twice weekly training at the Northern (Tuesday + Thursday) whilst we have light. This will only give us 6 weeks of training before the league matches start at the end of September.

In addition to training it will be important that everyone maintains [or develops] a reasonable level of fitness before the season.

As most people know Dave Bennett is completing the Level 2 coaching course and those who have attended Wednesday night training have already seen the benefits of this more professional approach. Dave is already planning next years training which will help us be a more coherent and organised team on the pitch. It is important that everyone gives Dave as much support as possible during the pre season. Adam is continuing to coach the Ladies and joint coaching will continue.

9th May [1^st Sunday is Bank Holiday]

6^th June

4^th July

1^st August

Tuesday & Thursday

24^th August & 26^th August

31^st August & 2^nd September

7^th September & 9^th September

14^th September & 16^th September

21^st September & 23^rd September

28^th September & 30^th September

The first league match is likely to be 25^th September or 2^nd October.

We appreciate that some people will be on holiday but try to attend as much as possible. Training will be open to all members and those wishing to be in the 1^st team squad should make it a priority.

We will continue to train at Edge Hill during the winter months [whilst looking at alternatives] it is planned that training will start at 8.30 – 10.00 to make the journey more worth while.

As a basic guide some fitness targets have been set for everyone. These are simple and should be within everyone’s reach. Hopefully we can then build on these during the pre-season.

1. 21 minute continuous run [see how far you can go]
2. Shuttle run 5x5m 3 repetitions [Aim for each shuttle to be done in the same time]
3. Hockey pitch Shuttle 25m [total 450m] 3 repetitions with 30 seconds rest
4. Press up/Sit up/ Squats 10 each 3 repetitions.

Obviously higher levels of fitness are desirable. Fitness training groups are run at St Mary’s college and at Merchant Taylor’s which are open to everyone to join if they need outside motivation. Anyone who wants to go for a gentle run around the wall is welcome to contact me [I am trying to do the Wall every Tuesday evening].

In addition to these events we also hope to enter a couple of summer tournaments and have offers for summer friendlies.

Tim Morris Chris McBrien