HAM targets girls

The newly-elected Hockey Association of Malta (HAM) committee has listed "Girls Hockey" as a top priority.

At the recent Annual General Meeting, David Agius, Robert Aquilina, Ian Crockford, Noel Gatt and Mario Lentini were elected to serve on the Executive Committee for 2005/2006. In accordance with the association's statute, Christopher Busuttil Leaver remains in office as president.

In its first meeting, the new committee decided that the focus with regards to youth development should now be towards attracting popularity of the sport among girls.

Indeed, there are already a number of girls who have actively taken up the sport within the various club nurseries but a more concerted effort is needed to target larger numbers.

The HAM has obtained a slot on Education 22 to promote the sport, all done under the auspices of the MOC Youth Development Programme.

Following a three-day seminar organised over the weekend by the MOC, Dr Crockford, the new HAM Director of Marketing, commented on the importance of the media in the tripartite relationship between sports organisations, business partners and media, and how the committee plans to enhance more co-operation.

The hockey season gets underway next Sunday with the Super Cup contest between champions Rabat Depiro and KO holders Young Stars.

In the meantime, the Juniors Committee has targeted next season as the date by which all clubs should be able to field an all-girls side for junior competitions.

This year, the juniors come into action on October 22 with an U-16 Pre-Season Festival.

October 2005

16th Super Cup Final
22 Under-16 Pre-Season Festival
23 Challenge Cup (start of)
29 Under-16 League Round 1 (start of)
29 Over-45's Veterans' Tournament

November 2005

5th Under-14 Pre-Season Festival
19 Under-14 League Round 1 (start of)
27 Challenge Cup semi-finals

December 2005

4th Challenge Cup finals
11 9-a-side Reserves League (start of)
18 National League (start of)