boys bisham.jpg197.41 KBThe Hockey Ireland Under 18 Boys Hockey squad is a self-funded team, coached and managed by volunteers, and this July we are working to maintain 'Division A' status at the 10 team Europeans to be held in Krefeld, Germany.
In Preparation for the Europeans, the Squad is involved in an intense training programme that includes regular Strength & Conditioning, training sessions, camps and Test series against other nations across Europe.
In February the Squad played a 3-match series against England in Bisham and in April, the boys head to Poland to compete against the Polish U18s and U21s and Austria. On top of additional training camps and test matches, the Squad also travel in May to compete in a 4 nations tournament against Belgium, France and England in Calais. These efforts will culminate with the Europeans in early July.
With the recent announcement of the Irish Senior Men's team moving to compete in the Pro-League later this year, the Under 18 Boys pathway to Senior International hockey has become even more exciting, with regular fixtures in the pipeline for the next 4 years alongside Olympic and World Cup ambitions.
This program is entirely self-funded, and to get through it; we are looking to raise £50,000 through this raffle, donations and sponsorships.
Hockey has over 50,000 participants across the island of Ireland, and the profile of the sport is growing rapidly especially following the tremendous success of the senior women's and men's teams over recent years. While funding has increased for those teams, the Junior Age Group (JAG) teams are entirely self-funded. Every player needs to meet the expenses incurred by Hockey Ireland for the JAG teams.
It's an incredible honour to be selected, but each player has to contribute/fundraise over £4k (per player) to take part in the full program. We are raising funds for pitch hire, travel and accommodation costs (including that of the voluntary coaching staff), kit, performance analysis, etc.
Our parents are incredibly supportive of the Squad and Management, as individuals and teammates, giving their emphatic support, helping them to reach their targets and dreams, and the Squad take this opportunity to thank them. We are seeking assistance from you, our friends, countrymen and women to help with the financial pressure on our families and help play a part in this amazing journey.
Hockey is still one of the only team sports Ireland competes successfully in at the Olympic level, you can help it be even more successful in the future by investing in us now.
We really appreciate your support and if you wish to follow our journey, you will find us across Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, just search for @IreBoysJAG
#RELENTLESS #JAG2023
All raffle proceeds go towards the Irish U18 Boys Hockey Team.
