Footscray Hockey Club

Season to date: The juniors continue to break our own junior section records at FHC: In 2009 – We have our highest ever number of junior teams – 20 (incl. ‘Minkey’), have had a staggering 75 new players to Rd 9, have our highest ever number of junior players – 236 (up from 201in ’08), have a majority of girls in the junior division – 119 girls / 117 boys, have had a record number of players selected for this years U13/ U14 /U15 Junior State Championships (‘Western Wildcats’) – 38, We have had a record number of FHC coaches placed in charge of Western Wildcats teams – 4.

State Championships
Currently the Junior State Championships are on at Royal Park (Monday June 29th – Sunday July 5th). Played on mid-week evenings and the following weekend, the championships will showcase the best juniors in Victoria, with Footscray being the best represented Club on display. Check out the fixture on the Hockey Victoria website, and come along and support the FHC kids!

Representatives Honours
We’ve had two new Vic Primary School (Vic U12) reps announced – Kaitlyn Grimaldi and Georgia Hopkins. Another product of Michelle Leeder’s magnificent junior goalie development program, Kaitlyn just got across the line from our own Ebony Pugh, whilst Georgia adds another chapter to the fantastic Hopkins / Thomas hockey story. Well done to all involved, particularly the FHC coaches, officials, umpires and administrators who have created the circumstances in which these kids have been able to develop their skills.

Reminders and Other Matters

1. There will be no junior training during the school holidays unless otherwise arranged between a coach and his / her families.
2. Check out the HVic website for notices re: Vic Junior Indoor Team Noms (close 29 July).
3. Have you heard about the Local Sporting Champions program that is now available nationally for individuals and teams? This Australian Government initiative has been designed to provide financial assistance for junior sportsmen and women towards the cost of travel, accommodation, uniforms or equipment when competing at an official national sporting organisation (NSO) endorsed state sporting organisation (SSO) or national school sporting competition. More Information: www.ausport.gov.au/champions. Applications for the 2008/09 grant cycle close 30 June 2009, so be sure to get your application in soon!
4. A special big congratulations top Mark White and Heather Shaw who are spear-heading FHC’s management this year of the Western Wildcats process. Keep up the great work guys.