I’m delighted to confirm the appointment of our respective Ladies and Men’s 1st XI coaches for their coming seasons in the England Hockey League East Conference.

The Men’s 1st XI will continue to be coached by Nick Fry who last season led the team back into the National League for the first time since 2005 with a comprehensive victory in East Premier. Nick’s focus on fitness, basics, attitude and promoting young talent underpinned the success across the whole men’s section with 3 from 4 teams being promoted. Craig Wiid will captain the Men’s 1st XI this season and Nick and Craig are working on pre-season plans which are due to be announced in July. Nick’s top level playing experience, leadership and intimate knowledge of players and the club gives Ipswich a strong footing from which to attract new talent and to ensure all teams across the men’s section approach the game with right attitude for success.

The Ladies 1st XI will be coached by Leonie Kammeijer. Leonie is a Level 2 professional coach with over 10 years of experience planning, developing and implementing hockey programs for youth and senior teams. Leonie’s hockey career has seen her player National League in Holland, umpire internationally and in the UK Leonie has coached Bury, Sudbury and Culford School. Leonie also had a prior short spell as Ladies 1st XI coach at Ipswich so is a familiar face to the Ladies section. Leonie lives in Suffolk with a young family and is looking forward to getting involved in the club. Lucy Dunnett continues to captain the Ladies 1s and will be supporting Leonie along with Team Manager Donna Mills in getting pre-season underway.

Other coaching appointments for the Juniors and Ladies 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th XI’s will be announced in the coming days.

The coming season is going be a stern challenge for both 1st XIs – England Hockey League East Conference is predominantly London based teams with tough opposition. Nick and Leonie’s leadership along with 1st XI and 2nd XI cohesion will be crucial to the club’s success in the 2023-24. I’m sure you will join me in welcoming Leonie back to Ipswich Hockey Club and of course get behind Nick and Leonie for the coming season.

Thank you as ever to our sponsors SEVEN who support so much in our Junior Development and Coaching.