20 February 2010

Cameraderie the key to success for Solent Hockey

Solent hockey captain Matt Ireland has claimed the strong bond within the team is the reason for the side’s excellent form this season. The men’s team are yet to drop a single point from their seven league games so far and are in with a superb chance of winning the division.

Ireland said: “I think the main reason for the team achieving what we have this season is due to the vibe going around. Everyone gets on with each other really well and this makes us bond and communicate well on the pitch. We take care to play as a team, not as individuals, which is very important.”

Club captain Ireland has been an ever present for Solent over the last three years and feels the influx of fresh talent has been crucial to the team’s success. “We’ve had a number of really talented new players come into the squad this year which has definitely helped. In my three years in being here, I would have to say this is the best squad we’ve assembled so far. The team has progressed throughout the season in the best possible way, with seven wins out of seven and not dropping a point - you can’t really get much better than that.”

Despite disappointment in the cup, losing to Bournemouth in the quarter finals, the season has still been an overwhelming triumph for Solent. And Ireland says the season and the entire hockey experience has been extremely fulfilling. “It’s a good way to get to know people. We take our hockey very seriously but off the pitch, there’s always a big social scene with everyone mixing together. We’re hoping to go on tour to Bournemouth this year over Easter. It’s good to tour as a whole club as all the teams go together and the entire squad mixes together. I would say joining a sports team is definitely worth it to be able to play the sport that you enjoy and meet people who also enjoy it.”

(Solent Speaker, 2010)

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