Crowborough Hockey Club have so far raised more than £1,700 for Hospice in the Weald by hosting a ‘Virtual Hockeython’ on Saturday.
The aim was to play together as a Club even though they were isolated.
Starting at 9am, with Head Coach Justin Singleton and his daughter for eight-and-a-half hours, players took turns to keep a hockey ball moving in their garden or home, live-streaming to the Club’s Facebook page.
With each group controlling a hockey ball in 15 minute stints, around 80 players from the Club kept the challenge going throughout the day, including GB Olympian Calum Giles and his family.
They also mixed-up how they kept the ball moving too, with some performing tricks, some playing games, some doing coaching drills and others even taking the hockey ball on their daily ‘Boris’ walk.
Club President Hilary Brown took on the challenge in her garden, while Chairman Ben Churchward and his family added obstacles and a water feature!
Ladies 2nd Captain Vicky Dennett said:
That was a lot of fun, with some tech issues but the scramble to fix them was part of the adventure. It was great to have so many young players involved as well as representatives from all our teams. We’d also like to say a massive thanks to all who donated – and you still can!
Players based in Nutley and Uckfield also streamed in. Furthermore they were joined by a number of animals across the day, including rabbits, cats, dogs and a lamb.
Girls’ Development Coach Amanda Catling thought up the concept and, as an NHS worker herself, realised that charitable organisations were being directly impacted by the lockdown especially those caring for the old and vulnerable.
They may have raised more than double their original target, but the Hockey Club are hoping to raise more for their chosen charity.
If you wish you can donate via their JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Crowborough-Hockey-Club
