“How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard”
That about sums up how I feel as my time as Head Coach at Haddington Hockey Youth Section comes to an end. The committee, the coaches, the parents and of course, the children make up our wonderful hockey family and I have been incredibly lucky to be part of such a great community of lovely people. There has been hard work and frustration but that pales into insignificance when I look back upon all that we have achieved. I say “we” because everything that has happened has been down to a team effort and I am mightily proud of that team! I may have led the charge, and at times dragged people along with me, but without the hard work and support of so many people, the club would not be where it is today. I couldn’t possibly list all the people who have helped so just a huge thank you to everyone.
We may not be the biggest club, win every hockey match, or produce Olympians, but that was never the aim. The aim was to build a club where everyone, regardless of ability, is encouraged to be the best version of themselves that they can be. That’s on the hockey pitch but more importantly it’s about in life in general. Sport for the sake of sport is great but for me it becomes magical when we use it to help people realise their potential, believe in themselves, and develop the skills they need to go forward and win at life, whatever life they choose. To be part of people’s lives in this way has been an absolute honour and privilege, and for that I thank all current and past players and parents.
Now the #HockeyRevolution has some new leaders and I am excited to see where Meg and Amy take things, and wish them all the very best. They are fantastic coaches and the club is very lucky to have them at the helm. Massive thanks to them both for all their support over the years, especially the last few months when work has kept me away from coaching. Thanks also go to Morven, Georgia, Kira, and the young coaches for all their hard work. Young people sometimes get a bad rep but I think they are amazing, especially our young coaches. Another thanks goes to the fantastic committee who have worked hard behind the scenes to support whatever it was I wanted to achieve. Final thanks goes to our chair, Lottie, for all the wise words, perspective, belief, listening ears, encouragement, and of course cake!
Haddington Hockey Club, you have been immense and you will always hold a very special place in my heart.
Much love to all,
Suzanne xxx
