For those of you who missed our alternative experience End Of Season Awards Announcements on Twitter here's a recap:
First of all Fylde Hockey Club would like to thank Simon Allen (who for those of you who don't know, is one of our Men's 2nd team players) for the amazing job he has done of putting a Virtual Awards Night together on Twitter.
It's unfortunate we couldn't celebrate the season in the normal way, however we can still recognise individual performances that have shone. All these awards have been chosen by the relevant team captains, our club captains and coaches, it wasn't an easy task for them as we have so many talented, hardworking players here at Fylde Hockey Club. So lets make some noise for our worthy winners!
AGE GROUP AWARDS FOR JUNIORS PLAYING SENIOR HOCKEY
Under 14 Girls Player of the Year: Charlotte Thomson
Charlotte is a highly talented new youngster whose development and confidence grew as the season progressed. She was selected for the 5th team and it wasn't long before she was called up for the 4th team, playing in multiple positions. Charlotte is an asset to any team, a key player in the U14 squad and one to watch for the future.
Under 14 Girls Most Improved : Katie Thompson
We have seen a significant improvement over the season and Katie has adapted well to the ball speed associated with senior level in the Ladies 5th team becoming a regular name on the score sheet. She fought her way into the U14 team making her mark.
Under 14 Boys Player of the Year: Luke Hitchen
Luke has risen to the challenge of playing Men's senior hockey. It was a huge step up the 13 year old playing for the Men's 4th team as Luke had dominated Junior hockey for the last few years. He's hardly missed a game or training session. His highlight was when he was voted man of the match from both sides in the local derby against Lytham where his silky skills caused more than a few problems for their defence.
Under 14 Boys Most Improved: Ollie Greenwood
This is Ollie's first competitive season playing hockey and he made his debut in the 4th team. He has a great attitude and willingness to improve his game. His hard work paid off and as the season went on he picked up a couple of the man of the match awards.
Under 16 Girls Player of the Year: Bo Madden
Bo has had a tremendous season, she was selected to play National League at the age of 14 and became a key squad player dominating central midfield, her work rate is simply inspirational. She also played in other positions and found herself on the score card. Bo's talent was further rewarded with a call up for England Hockey U16 squad, playing her first international match against Ireland.
Under 16 Boys Player of the Year: Duke Jones
15 year old Duke started the season playing in the Men's 3rd team and after a number of impressive displays he had made his first appearance for the Men's 2nds in January. On his debut he was awarded man of the match. We would describe Duke as fearless on the hockey pitch as he is on the rugby field!
Under 18 Girls Player of the Year: Lucy Eagling
Lucy was selected to play National League Hockey at the start of the season. Not only has she risen to the challenge she has gone from strength to strength. Her defining moment was when she scored against Wakefield which kick started the teams winning streak. Lucy was outstanding against Cannock and earned a well deserved man of the match.
Under 18 Boys Player of the Year: Luca Sempers
Luca made his mark on the Men's 2nds with an impressive 17 league goals. He mastered the art of drag flicking and in one particular match he scored a hat trick of drag flicks. Luke is a great competitor who is fearless with outstanding 1v1 elimination skills.
LADIES FIRST TEAM
The Ladies 1sts finished 5th in the Conference North and retained their National League status. It was a shaky start to the season but by November they were rapidly climbing the league with some sublime performances against the leagues stronger teams under the direction of coaches Ali Ghazanfar and Tom Little. Top goal scorer was Sophia Crawshay. We can't wait to see them return to National League next season, the team is now more established and will be pushing for that promotion to Tier 2 with Vicky Rukin leading the squad as captain.
Player of the Year: Jayne Wilson
Jayne is one of our senior players but she is solid, reliable and featured in the starting line up of every match. She is the beating heart of the Fylde defence, reputed as one of the best tacklers in the league and had many an opposition forward in her pocket. She put in some unbelievable tackles in front of goal which were definitely match savers. Jayne was also dedicated to assisting with junior training.
Most Improved: Hattie Madden
Hattie has grown in confidence since making her National League debut this season at the young age of 14. She has also shown an eye for goal and is the teams second best goal scorer, on top of the goals she scored she could always be relied upon to work hard for the team. Hattie finished the season on a high with fantastic individual performance against Beeston. We are excited to see more from Hattie next season.
MENS FIRST TEAM
Once again it's been a very successful season for the Coasters, who won the league and secured their 2nd promotion in successive seasons. They just go from strength to strength, winning 17 and only losing 1 out of their 22 matches plus an incredible goal tally of 92 that's a spectacular average of 4 goals a match! They will be flying the flag for Fylde next season in North Hockey League West Division 2 captained once again by Simon Major. There is also the Lancashire Trophy final to look forward to, hopefully in September!
Player of the Year : Jordan Payne
Jordon stepped up his game massively throughout the season. He led the forward line which resulted in him scoring an incredible 18 league goals and a couple of cup goals. His impeccable work rate was vital to the team in creating many goals and assists. Well done Jordon.
Most Improved: Aaron Sadler
Aaron broke into the team half way through the season when the team was short for an away game. He took full advantage of his chance impressing his teammates and making himself impossible to drop. He played his part in the league win including a great individual goal against Bebington. Aaron worked hard in training and listened to the advice given to him.
LADIES SECOND TEAM
It was hard fought season for the Ladies 2nds having lost several players to the first team. It also saw the retirement of long serving and highly commended coach, Adrian Metcalf. 9th place secured them a further season in the North Hockey League West Division 2. With several young players making their mark last season, we look forward to following the teams progress next season under the steady hand of captain Sally Livesey.
Player of the Year: Katie Barker
Katie is a hugely committed and valued player, the vote for her was unanimous demonstrating the high regard she is held in. Katie's strong and dynamic saves, along with her clear communication from the back has been a vital to this team. She has played in every game this season and was also called up to the first team's starting line up.
Most Improved: Dani Merrick
Dani is solid, reliable, versatile and a huge talent. She has played a number of positions to fill the gaps that have emerged in the team this season. She has even played upfront, delivering a great performance, taking it all in her stride with a smile on her face. The tough season inspired this young player to develop and improve.
MENS SECOND TEAM
The Men's 2nds had a solid season finishing 4th, just missing out on promotion by 1 point, they won 15 out of their 22 games with an impressive 76 goals, that's an outstanding average of 3.5 goals a match. They retain their status in North West League Division 2 and a special mention to Simon Allen for leading the side as captain. Two young players, Duke Jones and Ryan Nichols made their debut this season proving the futures looking bright.
Player of the Year: Phil Hope
Phil's welcome return to the second team saw him hit the back of the net with a credible 19 goals making him the clubs top league scorer. He also has brilliant movement off the ball and reads the game so well. His passion for the game is inspirational and this season he has headed up the Junior training and was instrumental in the development of the highly successful Junior programme.
Most Improved: Duke Jones
This is Dukes 2nd award of the night , he also picked up the U16 age group award for player of the year. He is a great competitor on the pitch and rose to the challenge of selection to the Men's 2nd team, looking to improve his performance at every opportunity. Well done Duke.
LADIES THIRD TEAM
A great club effort ensured that the ladies 3rds secured North League Hockey for a second successive season after a nail biting 10th place finish. Adele, Sarah and Martin did a great job of mentoring the Juniors in the side. They will be competing once again in the West Division 4 and we will be tracking their progress. With so many talented Juniors in the side this team we anticipate they will be climbing the league!
Player of the Year: Sarah Hart:
Sarah is a hard working inspirational player, focused on improving her own performance and the development of the 3rd team. It is said that you can build a team around a goalkeeper and this certainly is the case with Sarah. Her talent as a goal keeper has been rewarded this season with several starting line ups for the first team.
Most Improved: Emma Savidge
Emma is another of our talented young players who made her debut to North League Hockey this season. She has grown in confidence since the start of the season and is one to watch for the future. Emma is a great athlete who has the ability to eliminate an opponent, she had a great impact down the right side of the pitch.
MENS THIRD TEAM
The Men's 3rds endured a difficult season in the North West Division 3 but there was lots of potential on show. Rob Pasqualino, the pick of the seniors with Harry Gordon and Alex Eastham ones to watch out for their progress and development. The 3rds will start the new season in North West Division 4, a chance to regroup and return to Division 3 under the direction of captain Ollie Holmes.
Player of the Year: Rob Pasqualino
Rob was chosen for his commitment, work ethic and desire to get the best of himself and the team. He is a player who strives for the highest quality and was very influential throughout the season to all those who partnered him on the field.
Most Improved: Harry Gordon
Harrys progress was vastly improved from the start of the season. Throughout the season he began to lead from the back and drive the team forward, he started to request different roles and positions having that belief that he could fulfil every aspect of the game. Harrys endless enthusiasm and drive made him a deserving winner of the most improved award.
LADIES FOURTH TEAM
The Ladies 4th team captained by Rachel Lees gained promotion to the Lancashire Central League Premier Division which is the highest level of local hockey. Only losing 3 matches all season with a respectable average of 3 goals per match spread aross the team. We look forward to following their progress next season and who knows maybe promotion to the North League Hockey!
Player of the Year: Olivia Merrick
Olivia is a naturally talented young player, she also plays for Fylde's U14 team. She has gained the respect of players and coaches with her speed and skills on display on the pitch. She is also a great team player who always brings a smile to everyone with her youthful enthusiasm. Well done Olivia.
Most Improved: Beth Ridsdale
Beth is another of our U14 players and has grown in confidence on and off the pitch. She has conflicted between goalkeeper and outfield positions and is an asset to the team. The speed of this youngster when she takes on the opposition is mind blowing. She helped create a great sense of camaraderie amongst the team.
MENS FOURTH TEAM
The Men's 4th had a challenging season with limited availability, despite this the team fulfilled all but one game. The highlight of the season was victory over Preston in the local derby and the introduction of 5 of our young junior boys. The transition from Junior to Men's hockey is a massive step up and we are very proud of them and the encouragement captain Craig Nutter gave them. The team will be playing again next season in the North West Hockey League Division 4.
Player of the Year: Sean Lester
Sean was selected for player of the year as he was the most dedicated of players, always being available regardless of the fixtures location. He provided a solid foundation for the defence and was very supportive of the development of the junior players in the team
Most Improved: Ollie Greenwood
Ollie as a newcomer to the club took a little time to find his feet and take on much older opposition in the league games. As the season grew so did Ollie, he played out several positions but shone in defence. his hard work paid off and not only is he the 4th team most improved he has also picked up the award for U14 Boys most improved. Well done Ollie.
LADIES FIFTH TEAM
There was plenty of goals on show with a seasons tally of 61. The Ladies finished 3rd which has gained them a surprise promotion to Lancashire Central League Division l. Full credit to their captain Fran Loffler, Shelly Harvey and Rachel Lees for driving the successful rotational selection of players and exceeding expectations for team objectives over the season. This has resulted in the creation of a 6th team for next season.
Player of the Year: Nikki Richmond
This player established herself as regular in the starting line up of the ladies 5th team, never missing a match and even made some appearances for the 4th team. She also stepped up to the role of captain on various occasions. A solid player who has given the youngsters in the side confidence through her reassurance and encouragement.
Most Improved: Victoria Latham
Victoria is a player who has worked hard to develop her skills and has shown significant improvement over the season. She rarely misses a game and is fully committed to attending training sessions and is always keen to learn more.
CLUB AWARDS
Ladies Best Newcomer: Mia Anderton
Mia joined Fylde this season and rapidly moved up from the 3rds to the 2nds. She was awarded the under 16's captaincy demonstrating strong leadership amongst her peers, as well as fulfilling the club ethos of inspire, teamwork and respect. She is a talented young player who is hardworking, determine and never gives up.
Mens Best Newcomer: Nick Rainbow
Welcoming National League goalkeeper Nick Rainbow to the Men's 1st team was great news for the club after the unfortunate injury to Nigel Sadler. Nick is an ex member of Blackpool Hockey Club and he has spent the last 2 years playing National League at Preston. Nick is unquestionably one of the best goalkeepers in the North of England with many a clean sheet to his credit. From his very first game in was easy to see what he had to offer our club in the drive to push for promotion to National League, hence his selection for the best newcomer,
Club Umpire of the Year: Lynsey Tait
Lindsey has quietly served for quite a while but stood out particularly this season for her ability/willingness to umpire both Men’s 1XI & 2XI as well any of the Ladies teams. Thank you to everyone who blew a whistle this season!
Final note
That's it for our 2019/20 season and a huge congratulations to all award winners. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped to make this season a successful one, the chairman and committee, coaches, captains, volunteers, supporters and sponsors in particular Katherine Wholey who generously donated all the trophies for the award winners. These will be available for collection shortly. See you all at Mill Farm very soon, the future is looking bright!
