This summer the campaign "#HockeyFest" was born, a nationwide initiative from England Hockey to invite players of all capabilities who weren't already playing to get back into hockey. Kenley Hockey Club joined this nationwide drive, with fantastic success.

Kenley HC had been promoting this event through social media for weeks prior to the event on Thursday 3rd September, and had generated so much interest that on the night they were joined by the National Manager for Clubs & Facilities of England Hockey, Kirsty Goldie-Brammer.

Being noticed by the governing body of the sport was a fantastic achievement for this club, but what was even better was the feeling after arriving at the pitch to see around 20 new faces ready and eager to get stuck in.

Twinned with attracting a new coach for the ladies team, and the excitement of the upcoming season, the pitch truly was a-buzz. And for two hours the "give-it-a-go peeps" were given a back-to-basics coaching session covering basic stick skills, passing drills, beating defenders, and culminating in a mini game at the end. A strong turnout of new fresh faces, and this coupled with the excitement of the fast-approaching new season made for a fantastic atmosphere on a drizzly Thursday night.

And if that wasn't enough, word spread back from Kirsty Goldie-Brammer back to England Hockey the next day, and Kenley received a message from England and Great Brit- ain striker, and the player of the, Alex Danson through Twitter congratulating them on a successful event.

Kenley players and coaches were thrilled to hear from Alex since her since she is no doubt still celebrating England Women's success in the European Hockey Championships from a week ago. England defeated the World & Olympic champions, Holland after overturning a two goal deficit in the last eight minutes and going on to win on penalties (very un-English!). The gold medal was claimed in front of a capacity crowd at the home of England Hockey, Lee Valley, on the site of the 2012 Olympic Park.

Kenley Hockey Club warmly invites new players of all ages and abilities to join them as the back to hockey initiative continues throughout the season. See http://kenleyhockeyclub.clubbuzz.co.uk