The Barrett Family have been involved in Sevenoaks Hockey Club for over 20 years.
The Barretts settled in what they call “a beautiful area of the country with amazing countryside” in the late nineties. They note the town’s friendly atmosphere with lots to offer from “art to theatre, cinema and music” but for the Barretts sport comes first! The sporting family began a Maldini-like legacy at the club in 1997 when Hazel first donned the purple kit.
Two years later in 1999 husband Richard got involved coaching the Ladies 1st XI in what was a memorable campaign that saw SHC qualify for the National League play-offs and win the Kent Cup. In 2011, the Barretts gifted the club with their offspring not permanently but on a playing basis.
CommunityAd had the pleasure to ask Hazel, Richard, Josh, and Emily what life is like at Sevenoaks Hockey Club for a Barrett.
What’s your role and what do you enjoy most about it?
Hazel: I am assistant coach for the U16 girls and run Back to Hockey sessions on Monday evenings for returning or new players at a more senior level! Come along and give it a try, all abilities welcome. Most enjoyable part is seeing the girls develop and enjoy their hockey and to see them have fun with their friends and team mates.
Richard: I am co-coach for the U18 boys side and co-captain of the Men’s 4thXI which we run as a development side for the older juniors. Most enjoyable thing is seeing the change in the boys from the early part of each season in October compared to the latter part of the season in March and feeling considerable sympathy for many of our opposition as they marvel at the ability of our juniors.
Josh: As well as playing adult and junior hockey, I help coach the younger juniors on a Sunday morning and am a member of the newly formed Youth Committee at the club.
Emily: As well as playing adult and junior hockey, I help coach the younger juniors on a Sunday morning.
Just how good did it feel to get back to the club after the world’s longest lockdown winter? I bet there was a triumphant atmosphere about the club?
Hazel and Richard: Just brilliant to get back to seeing people, watching the juniors playing hockey and enjoying being together with their friends. It was great having a chat on the side of the hockey pitch and feeling as though life was returning to normal! (Whatever the new normal is or will be!)
Josh and Emily: Great to be back playing again, seeing friends and having fun on the pitch together.
Sevenoaks HC is a great community with so many benefits that extend far beyond just playing hockey. We cultivate talents and aspiration in anyone who loves hockey by developing players and leaders, encouraging participation and building community through lifelong friendships.