End of Season Awards 2025-26

🏆 CLUB AWARDS 🏆

Club Female - Joanne Wilson

Club Male - Kevin Wigmore

Umpire Award - Alex Vermaak

Veteran Female - Joanne Wilson

Veteran Male - Dirk Vermaak

Senior Female - Aimee Cleminson

Senior Male - Charlie Woodfield

U21 Female - Erin Tyler

U21 Male - Alex Vermaak

U16 Female - Isobelle Leach

U16 Male - Alessandro Zecca

Goalkeeper - Euan Christie

Top Goal Scorers

Laura Morley

Shane Locke

Also presented….

Most Improved Player awards for all three sections. Alongside Players’ Player and Captain’s Player of the Year per team.

Most Improved Award - Elsie Harwood

Captain’s Player - Richard Brind

Player’s Player - Karny Jawahar

LCA have had a very successful season. We have gone from fighting against relegation last year to finishing in the top 5 and getting to the final of the senior cup. It’s been fantastic to have so much enthusiasm from men’s and ladies players from throughout the club playing on a regular basis. They’ve slotted into the mixed side seamlessly and been a big part of the successes we have had this season. It has been wonderful to have the younger players coming through too, getting stuck in and watching them grow in confidence and ability. It has been great to captain such a committed, hard-working and positive side. And a massive thank you to our dedicated supporters who have been with us cheering from the sidelines through rain, wind, sleet and every other weather Britain can throw at us.

It’s been great to see the mixed side grow so much and I can’t wait to see what next season will bring!

Emily Harrison (Captain & Section Chair)

Captain’s Player - Kev Moore

Player’s Player - Jules Vermaak

This season was both a successful and enjoyable one for the Hermitage Mixed Team, at the time of writing we finished fourth in Division 2 and will be playing in the Junior Cup Final on 25th April. This will be a challenging match against the league champions Panthers, who have had only one league defeat all season.

The season started with a mix of league games and a new round robin cup competition where we held our own against Division 1 opposition. We started well in the league, placing in the top 2 until the end of November, where defeats against the eventual first and second placed teams left us in third at Christmas. A couple of cancelled games in February, due to player unavailability, cost us vital points but we finished the season with a few strong performances to finish comfortably in fourth position. Our cup performances earlier in the season secured us a Junior Cup semi-final, where we eased to a 4-1 victory to secure a place in the final 

Mixed hockey is all about playing competitive hockey, with a diverse group of people in a fun and enjoyable environment. Highlights this year included: having the Murdochs x 3 on the same team – which included a memorable goal from Will on his senior debut; welcoming our new signings the Vermaaks into the team; standout team performances against Rangers 6-0 and Wolves 7-1; laughing at the 58 year age gap between my male/open striker options; and changing home venues mid-season due to pitch refurbishment and playing in the worst conditions imaginable at Groby to secure a draw with Leics Uni (some of whom played in their coats!).

Thanks to everyone who has played this year, which has been a core of mixed players with great support from across the club (with particular thanks to Carillon, Ladies 2s and Men’s3&4s). Across the captain’s group we try to ensure everyone gets a game on a Saturday and as a result we have used a staggering 47 different players this year and everyone has contributed to the team’s success. Thank you all for an enjoyable season and best of luck in the Cup Final.

David Boyd (Captain)

Most Improved Award - Isobelle Leach

Captain’s Player - Anna Godwin

Player’s Player - Georgia Allen

This season has been both challenging and rewarding. We have welcomed several new faces to the Ladies 1s, while also having the privilege of selecting developing younger players each week. Watching these players step up to a higher standard of hockey has been incredibly rewarding for the entire team.

We played some excellent hockey throughout the season, including a six-game winning streak leading up to Christmas, which saw us sitting 2nd in the league. A standout performance was our 3–1 victory against Nottingham Trent University, where everything finally clicked and the team delivered a complete performance (even Coach Clive couldn’t fault it). Other highlights included a hard-fought and slightly smug 1–0 away win against Matlock with a bare 11, and an outstanding 13–1 victory over Derby. We also progressed to the semi-final of the Shield Cup, narrowly losing to a strong Burnt Ash side from a higher division. Over the course of the season, the team scored more than 60 goals, with contributions from 12 different goal scorers.

Unfortunately, after Christmas, injuries and availability impacted our momentum, and we finished comfortably mid-table. While this represents an improvement on last season’s relegation battle, it doesn’t fully reflect the effort and quality shown by the team throughout the year. That said, it gives us a clear target to build on for next season.

As we say goodbye to some players, we now look ahead to recruiting new talent over the summer and continuing to grow and strengthen the Ladies 1s.

Georgia Allen (Captain)

Captain’s Player - Jo Burgos-Mendiondo

Player’s Player - Joanne Wilson

Well....

I think it's been a mixed season...

It's fair to say that the L2s struggled early on in the season, with finding their place, in a section that had undergone changes.

We showed real potential pre Christmas but the end product wasn't always what it could have been. We had our results but some games didn't go out way that should have. However that was not down to effort on behalf of the players.

After Christmas I realised the one thing I could control is team positivity. Largely due to some sound advice from a few club mates (big thanks, you know who you are)

Wow, what a difference that made, to me and the team.

We didn't always get the win, but the standard of hockey was improving with every game. Positive vibes has been the L2s mantra!

This season we were also able to give debuts to even more junior players which is the most incredible thing to be part of.

A club should be measured on how we treat our young players and nurture them, on how we support them on their journey in the 'lower' teams. If you're a higher team player, offer advice, a smile, as you do not know how nervous that youngster is feeling, and how that can have a positive effect on them.

Nothing I've done this season has meant more to me... And all the young players were all phenomenal...

Previous players who we've nurtred as youngsters are now offering guidance themselves to debutants...

I've been privileged to have a group of the most phenomenal senior players this season who have given so much help and guidance to players and I've also been given on the receiving end of their support when things have been tough.

You've been incredible L2s... All of you...

We finish the season in 3rd place...

Could we have got a promotion, yes absolutely, but it wasn't to be, we deserved more, but in my eyes, gold medals for all of my team regardless of a league position you've been amazing.

I'll be stepping down as captain, as many of you know, and I feel sure that the next person at the helm is inheriting a team bursting with potential and talent.

I'll send you a link to bulk buy Nurofen..

Jo Wilson (Captain)

Most Improved Award - Aaron Nagra

Captain’s Player - Charlie Woodfield

Player’s Player - Tiérnan Maguire

It was a season of change for the Men’s 1XI, new captain(s), a new coach, and an influx of experience with new club members.

Pre-season offered plenty of encouragement, with strong performances, convincing wins and plenty of goals suggesting the team was coming together well.

The competitive season began promisingly with a draw against league favourites NTU 2XI, but this early momentum was followed by a difficult run of form. A seven-week winless stretch tested the squad’s resilience and character, yet throughout this period the team continued to battle, growing more cohesive with each game. 

That perseverance ultimately paid off. Following the slow start, the team found its rhythm and produced a surge of positive results, with the second half of the season standing in stark contrast to the first.

By the end of the season, progress was clear across every measurable area: more goals scored, fewer goals conceded, more points earned, and a vastly improved discipline.

Amid a turbulent season, the team gained valuable insight and experience, lessons which will prove instrumental moving into the next.

Bring it on.

Matt & Josh (Co-Captains)

Captain’s Player - Ben McDermott

Player’s Player - Tendai Mukandiwa

What do you call a team so good they can play big John in goal and win 9-0? 

The 2025/26 season has been a whirlwind of success! The beginning of the season the goal was set. Promotion! Following last seasons relegation, the bounce back was imperative for the club to start bridging the gap between the first and second team, and creating a gap between ourselves and the thirds. 

This season required a big rebuild in the second team with only a few of the lads remaining from the season prior. Some of the shining lights from last seasons team were moved up to the first team, but merciful they were replaced with some first team experience, determination and a sprinkle of the Coalville dark arts! This set the foundation for the season and a strong one at that. Adding some much needed beauty, there was a good number of last seasons promotion pushing thirds. With the new additions, the combination of them and the loyal second teamers from the previous season. The ingredients were there, now we needed to start cooking. And cook we did! 

The key moment of the season came very early on in October, after our 2nd draw and the first game failing to score this season. A bet was made that if we made it through the season undefeated a team member would get the face of another team member tattooed between the top of his leg and the bottom of his back! This game proved to be the only occasion we failed to score as we proceeded to win every game for the next 6 months until the end of the season! As it became more likely the undefeated season was on, the terms of the bet changed after the players partner offering a different view point on the sheer wisdom (or lack of) of this bet. Face became squirrel, arse became leg, and tattoo is still non existent. 

There have been numerous stand out players this season. With over 100 goals scored, just under half of them were scored by two of the finest wingers in the league, Tendai and Liam. Week in week out, they proved to be such a handful that opposing defenders resorted to assault. At the back the heart of the defence was led by Ben and Harry and conceded a miserly 16 goals. And in the middle of the park players such as the first team experience of Tommy, Middo and Joe provided the engine to run the team. 

One of my proudest achievements was to continue to give opportunities for the clubs ever growing junior talent. Players such as Ethan, Waters and Tendai became mainstays of the team settling in so well and becoming a key part the success achieved. 

I’m looking forward to this time next year where hopefully the report will be extremely similar with more success and continued growth. 

Oh yeah, and to answer the question…

UP THE TWOS!!! 

Jake Ward (Captain)

Captain’s Player - Felix Jarvis

Player’s Player - Alessandro Zecca

The 2025/26 season proved to be a strong and progressive campaign for Charnwood Forest Men’s 3rd Team, competing in a highly competitive MIDS Division 8NE. Finishing in the top third of the table, the team demonstrated consistency, resilience, and clear development across the season.

Season Summary ( “We’ll Take That”)

• Finished: 4th (just casually top third of the league) 

• Record: 11 wins, 3 draws, 8 losses 

• Goal Difference: +23 (we scored more than we conceded—always a good tactic) 

• Points: 36 

Comfortably clear of mid-table chaos and within touching distance of the top 3, proving once and for all: we are, in fact, quite decent. This represents a very solid season, placing the team just outside the top three and well clear of the chasing pack. The division was competitive throughout, with only 5 points separating 4th and 7th, making consistency a key factor.

The team held their own against strong opposition, including sides such as Beeston 8 and Barton 3, who set the pace at the top of the table. Importantly, Charnwood established themselves as one of the more feared sides in the division, securing more wins than losses and maintaining a positive goal difference.

Team Development

One of the most encouraging aspects of the season has been the development within the squad.  Newer and less experienced younger players adapted well to the demands of league hockey, showing clear improvement in confidence and decision-making as the season progressed. Meanwhile, more experienced players provided a steady core, helping guide the team through tighter fixtures and maintaining standards on and off the pitch. So thank you to Rich, Will, David, Jack and Co. for tremendous support.

Captain’s Comments- there’s a few

“This has been a really solid season for us. Finishing 4th in such a competitive division shows how far we’ve come as a team. We’ve been consistent, difficult to beat, and have developed well over the course of the year and had fun along the way. There’s definitely a sense that we could push even further next season if we keep improving.”

“Great season overall—solid finish, strong performances, and only minimal tactical confusion. If we can turn a few of those ‘nearly’ games into wins next year, we’ll be right up there. ”

A genuinely strong season: 4th place, positive goal difference, and clear progress across the squad. Most importantly—good hockey, good laughs, and a team that actually enjoys playing together.

Markas Marriott (Section Chair / Stand-In Captain)

Captain’s Player - Steve Hicks

Player’s Player - Sam Johnson

To summarise the season….

We finished seventh in the division, which really isn’t bad considering the -10 point start. If we had had those 10 points we would have been in the fight for the top half of the table. Summarising our results we achieved

• Wins - 10
• Draws - 2
• Losses - 10
• Batterings - 1
• Games lost by 1 Goal - 5

Games drawn by awful umpire decision denying a goal 1 (yes I’m still bitter) 1. So we won and drew more than we lost and there were five games where we only lost by 1 goal. That’s 15 points lost by a whisker and a a few of those were early season when we hadn’t yet got into our stride. Overall, I think we had a pretty decent season al things considered.

Goals

• Top Scorer : Karri 14
• Top Goals Stolen by tap ins on the line : Karri
• Top number of goals lost due to great defence at the wrong end : Karri

You get the picture...

So top scorer of the season goes to Karri with 14 followed by Wil.M on 10, and Max.D on 6, Will Relf finished with avery respectable 5. Overal, we finished on +9, 12 better than the team above us. As always, I contest that as we are British, assists don’t exist (American nonsense).

Appearances

It might surprise you, but over the season we had 35 individuals play for the team. However, we had a very consistent core. Overal the player with the most appearances was…..ME!, I played 20 matches with 1 week injured when I went in goal for the threes. Second was Steve Hicks with 19 and then another 7 players with 15 or more. I think that for the lowest team in the section, that is a realy consistent turnout and a real improvement on the previous year. It was a real pleasure that we still had a really strong turnout for the last match of the season, away at 4pm in Birmingham. Thanks for that, it really makes it a lot easier to captain if you have that sort of consistency.

The Season

So how was the season? Personaly I was apprehensive after last season when we got a bit battered. We had dropped a division and started on -10 points which was always going to be a battle. However, from the first game the signs were there of a resurgence. Game by game, as the squad got used to each other, as we added some first timers to the team and got a bit fitter, the results got better. By Christmas we were starting to move out of the relegation zone and looked ready for a solid second half of the season.

In the second half of the season we were equal to anyone in that division. Yes we had a disaster at the Sikh Union, but it was a half term away match and we were realy under manned that day. It would have been really interesting if we had had anything like our regular team out. Bear in mind we, a few weeks later went to Towcester, only lost 1-0 (it could have gone either way) and they were promoted.

But, summarising it simply, we just got better and better. I was a pleasure to watch the improvement in everyone, stick skills, tactics and most of al mental commitment. I think that was the biggest improvement amongst the junior players, committing to tackles, running until the last minute of the game, and using the skills that Phil had been teaching at training. Picking anyone for particular praise is difficult because we really became a team, rather than a group of individuals.

I do want to give a shout out to Max and Tom who often played twice and drove miles to get to our games in time and for Tom being really flexible in playing outfield or in goal. Same to Alan who made some unforgettable outfield appearances as well as some brilliant goal keeping.

Thanks to everyone who drove miles to matches (especialy parents) and gave up big chunks of their Saturdays. Unfortunately, we can’t just play home games, that doesn’t work.

It would be remiss of me not to give a massive ‘thank you’ to Markas. Many of you won’t know what the Section Chair (SC) does, but it’s probably the busiest job in the club on a weekly basis. Loads of admin, finding players and being saintly in dealing with league officials. Additionally, he did a lot of the captains duties for the threes as well. If you see him at the Presentation Evening, buy him a beer, he deserves it.

Also how could we not thank Phil Rhodes, he is a fantastic coach and it’s brilliant to see the skills he coaches on Tuesdays turning up on the pitch on Saturdays. His coaching has really made a difference to the whole squad. Thanks Phil.

Next Season

Regarding captaincy, I wil be putting my hat in the ring at the AGM but if anyone else is feeling a vibe to take it on then put your hand up. There’s always room for more people to be involved in the club. Just be aware that there is a bit more to it than taking the glory when we win and blaming Karri when we loose.

Dirk Vermaak (Captain)

As many of you are aware we are incredibly lucky to have a thriving junior section within the club.

This season we've seen around 10 juniors step up and play senior hockey.

Next season we have even more! Record numbers in fact, keen and capable of playing senior hockey, and eager to put on their orange and green shirts.

So please do make time tonight to thank the volunteers and coaches who give time up to help the juniors. They’re doing an amazing job to ensure talent continues to feds into our senior teams. And a word of warning, watch out your place may be in jeopardy sooner than you think!

Junior Awards are to be presented on Sunday 3rd May.

Huge thanks to all committee members (Captains, Chairs, Coaches, Secretaries…..). Without willing volunteers it makes it very difficult for the Club to sustain itself.

We are therefore enormously grateful for each and every person, past & present, to have taken a committee role within the club and implore all members to consider how they might be able to volunteer this coming season, and encourage members (13+) to attend the AGM (Monday 11th May) to have an equal opportunity to influence decisions with the opportunity to vote.

Any proposals & resolutions to be sent to club secretary - Sandra Mugglestone, for inclusion on the agenda.

Thank You