We are writing to you following Tracy’s recent resignation from her voluntary roles within South Yorkshire Hockey.
Firstly, we would like to acknowledge Tracy’s message and recognise the significant contribution she has made over the past four years. Her commitment, particularly in recent months under challenging personal circumstances, is greatly appreciated, and we are very grateful for the time and care she has given to supporting players and families.

We also want to reassure you that plans are already in place to ensure continuity and progress into next season. Preparations have been underway to manage the administrative and operational responsibilities, including training sessions and tournaments, and we have worked closely with coaches and volunteers to ensure that activities continued with as little disruption as possible. We are particularly indebted to Archie Busby, who has been organising training sessions since the new year, and to all of the umpires who have officiated at the various tournaments. If you or someone you know have skills which might be useful to the running of the Academy Centre, please consider volunteering – your support could make a significant difference.

In the immediate term, key tasks are being coordinated centrally, and we are putting appropriate support structures in place while longer-term arrangements are finalised. In this respect we are pleased to announce that Dianne Hucknall has agreed to become our new Safeguarding officer, one of the most important roles in any organisation delivering sport and physical activity to young people. Additionally, Archie has agreed to take on the role of head coach for the academy, beginning immediately. We wish them both well. In addition, our vice chair Ian Christlo has agreed to take on an administrative role in the academy, with the aim of making our organisation more efficient.

We appreciate your patience and understanding during this period of transition, and our priority remains to provide a positive and well-organised experience for all players and families. I know from my own experience how hard the coaches have worked with the teams this season, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their contribution to the Academy Centre. In the meantime, we are launching a consultation process to understand how we can refine and improve what we do and how we do it.

We have put together an online survey to gather your views on how hockey is delivered in South Yorkshire, and we invite you to use this opportunity to make your voice heard. To launch the survey, click here: https://www.sircsurveys.com/f/41820685/1736/
Finally, I would like to thank you, the parents, for bringing your children to training sessions and tournaments, organising lifts and supporting South Yorkshire Hockey in all sorts of ways. I have seen the pride and resilience with which our players represent their county, and I am grateful to you for the part that you play in making this happen.
If you have any urgent queries, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Kind regards,
David Barrett,
Chair SYHDG