WHETHER you are a serious player, have never played or just fancy trying something different, Tavistock Hockey Club would like to hear from you!

Established in 1947 the hockey club played for many years at the old Grenville Road grass pitch.

A few years ago the ground was sold to developers and teams have played at the Kelly College Astroturf pitch since.

The club is now a 'community interest company' and plans to build a new pitch and expand.

At heart, the club is a very sociable institution, and bases its meetings and after match activity at the nearby Trout and Tipple public house.

The provision of a second pitch in Tavistock will provide great opportunities for the club to host events and attract players from further afield, raising standards and the profile of the club.

Chairman Dave Anning said: 'Last year we began the process of controlled growth.

'A number of members gained coaching qualifications and our junior section grew from around 30 to 50.  

'We will be training more coaches this year and we expect the junior section to grow further after their success in their first-ever evening league last year where two teams came home with medals.

'The numbers and success of the juniors bode well for the future of the club, but there is a shortage of players in the eleven to 16 age-group.

'We will be looking to actively fill that gap this year, at the same time as attracting players in all age groups and of all abilities.

'The club is also looking for volunteers to help out with a variety of administrative tasks, so if you'd be prepared to co-ordinate umpires or take minutes at committee meetings we'd love to hear from you!'

The season is about to start and training has started on the Kelly College Astroturf every Thursday.

The junior section, aimed at ages eight and above, starts at 6pm and ends at 7.15.

A taster session is free and training costs £2 per session thereafter.

The coaches then set up the next session and adults train from 7.30 to 9pm.

The club runs two ladies' teams and three mens, as well as two mixed teams in the summer months.

The junior section will be entering teams in the Plymouth evening league based at the UCP Marjon in the latter part of the season.

Dave added: 'The club aims to 'meet and greet' anyone who is coming for the first time, so feel free to ring any of the committee using details on the website at http://www.tavistockhockeyclub.co.uk">www.tavistockhockeyclub.co.uk or, if you prefer to just turn up at training speak to any one of the trainers or coaches and we'll "pair you up" to get you started.

'We look forward to meeting you!'