Sporty Sussex
SPORT
Feeling positive about the upcoming summer? Searching for a new challenge? Why not take a hint from Hanna Prince and take up a new sport. Here’s four to choose from
Croquet Sociable, challenging and great fun for all ages, croquet is more than just a casual garden sport. Here’s how to get involved Croquet has been an English country garden staple since the 1900s. Its origins are shrouded in mystery – one theory is that the game was imported from Ireland in the 1850s, but it’s more likely to be based on the French sport paille-maille. Charles II was such a fan of this ball-and-mallet game that he appropriated a walk in St James’s Park where he could play it with his courtiers
Hockey If you’re looking for a fast-paced sport that boosts fitness and is suitable for the whole family, hockey might just be for you Hockey is famous for its inclusiveness – not only is it the country’s most genderequal sport, it’s also common to have several generations of the same family playing on the same team. The game enjoyed a resurgence after Team GB women won Gold at the Rio 2016 Olympics, with 10,000 people signing up to their local hockey club after being inspired. There are several different variations, but field hockey is generally played by an 11-a-side team with the aim being to score a goal in the other team’s net. Ice hockey – most popular in North America and northern
- the area now called Pall Mall. Today, croquet is governed by the National Croquet Association (www. croquet.org.uk). There are many versions of the game, but it’s generally based around six hoops and four balls. The object is to hit your balls around a croquet lawn using a mallet, scoring points as you move through the hoops.
a-go sessions and free coaching on 11 international tournament lawns across a five-acre site. All ages, genders and abilities are welcome. Visit www.sussexcountycroquetclub.org.uk to find out more
WHERE TO PLAY There are plenty of places to try your hand at croquet in Sussex. Linda Gavigan of Sussex County Croquet Club told me, “Croquet is a challenging yet sociable sport, which is experiencing a revival as people look for Covid-19 safe activities in the open air.” Sussex Croquet County Club is based in Southwick. Linda added, “It’s the leading club in the South East and has experienced a 26% increase in members in the past year. We offer free have-
Europe – sees two teams attempt to hit a ‘puck’ across an ice rink, while street hockey is similar but played on asphalt rather than ice. England Hockey (www.englandhockey.co.uk), field hockey’s governing body, is a good place to start if you want to get involved. WHERE TO PLAY Sussex boasts one of the country’s most successful hockey clubs. East Grinstead
Hockey Club (EGHC) was founded in 1897 and has produced several international stars. “EGHC is a family hockey club offering training and matches from complete beginners to Premier League standard,” said ladies Club Captain Lottie Gregory-Young. “Our coaches are some of the best in the country and it’s easy for beginners or experienced players to get involved. We are running sessions over the summer, so please email info@eghockey.co.uk for more information and to arrange a free trial”
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