WHAT images does the word hockey bring to you? School days in the rain on muddy grass? Whacking each others shins? St Trinians?

Not any more as the sport has evolved and, with the success of our national teams, has really taken off, especially locally.

Two years ago South Bucks Hockey Club looked as if it would close its doors after many years of success. With a number of players having left to try and compete at a higher standard, it looked bleak.

But, like a Phoenix, the club has risen again and now boasts a determined ladies team, a growing youth section and a league-winning men’s team.

The adult section of the club is sponsored by Royal Oak Public House in Farnham Common.

For the ladies, this season has been a rollercoaster. There have been amazing achievements with new players coming in, but real negatives with injuries.

The ladies lost their keeper to damaged ligaments, which ended her playing career, captain Jo Young to a ruptured cruciate ligament and the team sweeper to pregnancy.

But, despite an average team age of 16, South Bucks stayed determined and played through rough matches, resulting in key wins including a home victory against rivals Maidenhead.

Having finished eighth in Trysports Division Five, they are now looking to strengthen the squad even more for next season.

The men’s team have taken MBBO Division Six by storm, settling themselves in top spot for the majority of the season and, although there were a few hiccups down to availability issues, it did not deter them as a mixture of youth and experience easily out-played the opposition.

Looking forward to next season, the men are aiming to build on their winning ways by strengthening the team and hoping to bring through more youngsters.

A great coaching team – who are all volunteers – are leading the way in the development of the players, no matter how young or old, or whether or not they have played before. With a plethora of experience in hockey, the coaching team is made from a mixture of young and old, with the youngest at 21.

The new youth section called South Bucks Storm – named by the youngsters themselves – currently boasts over 20 players aged 12 and above. With links to a number of schools including St Joseph’s Catholic High, Langley Academy, Burnham Grammar and Lynch Hill Primary, the youngsters not only train and develop skills, GCSE students can use it as one of their course sports, Duke of Edinburgh students can use it for their physical or skill modules and players can also work towards England Hockey qualifications.

But it is not all work as the social side is a key factor and the highlight in 2015 was watching and meeting the GB ladies team as they became European champions.

Head coach Mel Ive said: “The key focus at South Bucks is fun, it doesn’t matter about age or experience, so long as you enjoy it, that is the best way to develop. It’s a friendly, supportive club that make all members, new and old, very welcome.”

The club has an exciting future as it looks ahead to the new season. New players of all ages and abilities are always welcome for both the men and ladies teams as well as the current youth section.

The club is hoping to find a sponsor for the youth section and, in January, will launch a brand new group for 7-11 year-olds – South Bucks Stars.

So what is stopping you? Contact Mel Ive at 07889 122061 or Jo Young at 07868 597367. You can e-mail southbuckshockey@gmail.com