The PREPARATIONS for the new season at Whitchurch Hockey Club are well under way after they held their annual 'HockeyFest' tournament on Saturday.

The weekend is usually seen as a good way to prepare for the season to come and there were plenty of new and existing members.

The event was well attended and acted as a brilliant kick-off to a busy September for the club which is based at Sir John Talbot's School in Tilstock Road.

Whitchurch begin their season in in earnest over the coming weeks, with the ladies set of the set-up getting things underway first.

This coming Saturday, which is September 8, there will be the start of the academy training at the Reds' pitch, from 10-11.30am, which is aimed at children from six to 13.

The club is also running sessions called 'Back2hockey' which is aimed at players aged 13 plus, who have either never played the sport before and wish to learn or have previously played and want to return to the game.

After the academy and Back2hockey sessions, attendees are encouraged to hang around to give Whitchurch ladies their support as they start their league season with the first team playing their opening league game of the season, starting at midday.

Meanwhile, senior training continues on Wednesday evenings for both men and ladies, starting at 7.30pm until 9pm.

Head to www.facebook.com/WhitchurchHockeyClub for more or see the club's website at https://www.whitchurchhockeyclub.com/