Wonderful Wapping Women
Last weekend saw some hard fought wins on the ladies side for the L5 (3-2), the L7 (4-3) and the L4 (2-1) as well as an important 1-1 draw for the L3. The M9 also came out on top against the M10 (4-1). As the end of the season comes nearer there are some big matches this weekend across the club including a derby for the M2 against East London 1 and a big match for the M1 against Oxford University on Sunday.
International Women's Day - a reflection from Vice Chair of Performance, Lizzie Salmon
As it was International Women’s day this week, it’s a good time to reflect how far we have come and how far we want to go - both in our club and in our sport.
It is pretty cool to be part of a sport that sees a fairly even gender split from grassroots all the way up to pro level. Particularly after the success at the Rio Olympics, the conversations I have in the hockey world, see conversations in the hockey space easily flip between how excited players and supporters are to watch or develop in the male and female teams.
Personally, I love also being part of a club that sees strong female representation on committee. I am inspired by the women who run our club everyday. It emboldens me to step up, contribute and pass on inspiration (hopefully) to my fellow hockey friends. Having played L5s, L2s & L1s, I am also so chuffed to feel whichever team I get to play in as the years go by, they are full of supportive, legendary women who back each other on the pitch and off.
It is also been great to see the L1s be supported by Makers who are looking to also develop more women in the tech space. With this partnership we can support each other in our different spaces to empower more women.
But, we are not there yet, but I am also proud to be part of a club that is continually asking can we do and be better.
Wapping and Hockey, more generally, need to keep asking the hard questions. How can we have better representation in coaching? How can we make sure the whole club/hockey is a safe space for everyone? Although I have found most people well meaning, there are systematic issues baked into all clubs and Wapping is not different.
It would also be ridiculous of me, as white cisgender woman, not to point out that this comes from a perspective of privilege and assumptions. As we talk about moving forward towards a more equal world we must bring as many voices as possible so our actions do not just act as band aids to real, far greater issues.
From an ally-perspective, it can be easy to hide behind fear or ignorance rather than to act. Pass the mic, listen and be open to challenging your assumptions. I don’t believe most people are malicious but being scared can make us blind to growth.
Let’s invite as many different people to the table as we learn what real equality looks and feels like. Let’s find better words to express ourselves and be inclusive. Let’s challenge ourselves to be be more open and more awesome together
It’s great to see how we have progressed this IWD at Wapping and in hockey. More please. After all, hockey always wins!
End of Season Dinner
Another reminder to grab your tickets for the End of Season Dinner on the website here.
Also please make your food choices if you haven’t already for the event.
Easy Fundraiser app
Last week we reminded you that Easyfundraising is the easiest way to raise money for the club. When you shop online a percentage of your total is donated back to us. The site also provides one-off deals on things like changing utilities or taking out a phone contract. It costs nothing to sign up and so far 104 supporters have raised £2,450.46 for the club. As well as being able to sign up here and add the extension to your browser there is also an iphone app if you shop on your phone (unfortunately no android app at the moment :( ).
Summer league sign up
Wapping Hockey Club runs London's biggest corporate summer league, the City and Wharf Hockey League, which is back for 2023! It starts from the last week of April and runs to August, including hog roast/6-a-side tournament and black tie EOSD.
To sign-up to play for one of the Wapping teams, please fill out this form.
Corporate teams frequently need players to fill last-minute holes, and we will be running a ringers' list again. Sign-up for that on the form, and join the WhatsApp group (we promise to keep it focused!) here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/BeQgwxm6T0H5vzL504eDJO
Fixtures this week
Lee Valley
10:00 - L2 v Southgate 2 (pitch 1)
10:00 - L7 v Royals (pitch 2) - friendly
11:30 - M2 v East London 1 (away) (pitch 1)
11:30 - M3 v Epsom 1 (pitch 2)
13:00 - M6 v London Academicals 2 (pitch 1)
14:30 - M8 v London Academicals 3 (pitch 1)
John Orwell
11:10 - M10 v Tulse Hill and Dulwich
12:30 - M4 v Indian Gymkhana 2
14:00 - L4 v PHC Chiswick
Away
10:30 - L3 v UCL Rums 1
11:00 - L5 v Wanderers 6
13:30 - M5 v Barnes 2
14:45 - L1 v Teddington 1
15:00 - M7 v Kings and Alleyns 2
15:00 - M1 v Oxford Uni on Sunday
Dragon Hockey Discount Codes
Must use THIS LINK and the following codes to receive discounts!
Sticks: 20% off with code WAPPING20
Bags & Accessories: 20% off with code 20CLUBBAGS
Clothing: 10% off with code 10CLUBCLOTHES
