Old Georgians kick off their Watch Your 1s campaign on Sunday when they host the Men’s Premier Division clash against East Grinstead.
The Surrey-based side have a host of current and former GB players and are using this star power to attract hockey families in the Surrey area as they get on board with our campaign and competition to boost club attendances in the sport.
A half-time prize draw – free to all juniors attending – includes an hour’s one-to-one coaching with one of their international stars, and a stick signed by the men’s 1s squad.
Player announcements and post-match interviews will be conducted by former GB Scottish international and FIH Pro League commentator Nikki Alexander-Lloyd.
The committee hopes this will entice hockey families from around Surrey and beyond to see it as a family day out, with something for everyone.
The club has invested in a PA system allowing players and officials to be announced, music to be played for penalty corners and goals, and for post-match interviews with coaches and players to be audible to spectators. Children will be invited onto the pitch to play at half and full-time, in an effort to create a fun, festival type atmosphere commonly seen in Europe.
Mike Hughes, Old Georgian’s director of hockey, said: “Old Georgians is a family club through and through. We’re calling on all local hockey families – not just those from our club – to come and enjoy a spectacle of top-level hockey. Our committee have worked tirelessly to come up with a highly entertaining programme aimed primarily at junior players.
“We hope that by attracting more kids to come and watch the top level, and by giving them the opportunity to rub shoulders with our players, it will inspire them and create a positive trickle-down effect at other clubs and schools. We look forward to welcoming everyone to our club.”
Entry is free with pushback at 1pm at St George’s College, Weybridge.
Watch Your 1s is The Hockey Paper’s campaign to get more spectators at hockey matches across the UK. See how to enter your club HERE
