Ramsey Hockey Club’s Men’s and Ladies teams have been able to invest in better coaching and equipment, thanks to continued support from Collins Stewart Wealth Management.

Ramsey suffered from a loss of senior players last summer but thanks to the policy of developing the club’s promising young players, they have come back fighting with the Men’s 1st team finishing as runners up in the 1st division, just four points from promotion.

The Ladies 1st team finished at the foot of the Premiership and the Ladies 2nd team came a credible 2nd in Division 2.

Ramsey Hockey Club’s Junior Coach, Keith Corkill, said he puts the strength of the teams down to the determination of the players and their coaches.

"At the start of the season, we were able to send eight members of the coaching staff to attend a foundation skills workshop held by England Hockey Centrally Contracted Coach, Keith Taylor.

"This training is important as we look to invest resources into providing the best quality coaching for our young players."

Ladies 1st team player, Lauren Finch, is among the island’s best young hockey players and was selected to represent the North West Under-16 team after attending six training and selection days at England Hockey’s Junior Regional Performance Centre in Manchester.

Mr Corkill said he was hopeful that more of the club’s youngsters will enter the England Hockey Single System development pathway.

"With so many young players it is important to maintain the affordability for them to participate in a sport which has an inherently high cost base due to the hire of artificial pitches and playing equipment," he said.

The club has continued its rebuilding policy in the mixed season with the mixed 1st team squad containing six players under the age of 16, who will be keen to improve next season after finishing at the foot of the Premiership.

Over the last five years Collins Stewart Wealth Management has provided financial support for the club.

Head of Collins Stewart in the Isle of Man, Dermot Hamill said, "Despite losing some of its most senior players last season Ramsey Hockey Club is continuing to develop its teams, which host some of the Island’s top young players, such as North West Under-16 representative Lauren Finch.

"We are pleased to support a club that is investing its time in training coaches and enabling young players to improve their skills and experience the game."  

Ramsey Hockey Club has 127 members of which 80 percent are under the age of 18.

Pictured: Club members with Head of Collins Stewart Isle of Man, Dermot Hamill (far left).