Mission to develop talent
BEAULIEU – A re-launch of a prominent hockey club is hopeful to have more players in the Bryanston area get involved in hockey.
Since its re-launch recently, Southern Warriors hockey club is looking to bring in more players within the Bryanston area.
Beaulieu men’s A hockey team captain, Jesse Salo has been overseeing the rebirth of the club. He said the public reception had been a positive one, albeit there had been some uncertainty given the pandemic and ever-changing lockdown levels.
“We saw an opportunity in the Bryanston area for an established and registered hockey club. Kids in those areas have to travel long distances to be able to attend practices and matches for the nearby clubs but the main reason for starting the hockey club was because we had an opportunity to develop and grow a group of raw talent,” Salo said.
“These kids are so good as it is but they unfortunately haven’t had access to quality experienced coaches around which could possibly stop them from reaching their full potential,” said Salo.
The coaching setup at the club was still growing, with the likes of Beaulieu coaches Charlene Hackett and Grant Poulton also getting involved.
“We looking to bring a lot of energy and fun back into the game in that area. It’s basically a breath of fresh air for the club and the Bryanston area. We are also looking to bring a lot of guidance and support to the players.”
He said hockey clinics had taken place in June until the country was placed on Level 4 alert of the nationwide lockdown due to the climbing Covid-19 cases.
Looking to the future, Salo said some goals for the club included putting teams forward for the Gauteng Gryphons indoor league and participating in tournaments such as Hockey Junction. “Our long-term goal is to be able to compete against the big clubs such as Beaulieu Hockey Academy and Wanderers in the Southern Gauteng hockey leagues.”
He concluded, “Realistically, we looking at 2022 to start building teams to participate in tournaments and matches. At this moment, we are currently trying to build our teams and have constant practice sessions to ensure we’re ready for next year’s hockey season.”
