Battle of the ages at Family Funday

A family funday fundraiser at Anchorians Hockey Club on Saturday 1st July saw mums play against daughters in just one of many special games which raised £600 for charity.

The event started with a family tournament involving 60 children and parents including a number of new players from the Gillingham club’s Back to Hockey section.

This was followed by a Doris versus Mini-Doris game of mums and daughters comprising many former players from Anchs ladies section. The seniors won 4-3 despite the best efforts of 10-year-old Izzy Goddard in goal for the girls.

The scoreline was reversed for Old Gits against Young Gits which saw the under-30s side beat their older and more experienced opposition 3-2.

A barbecue and cake sale meant spectators and supporters enjoyed a great day too and the money will be split between the hockey club and a number of charities as organiser Gemma Smith explains: “I will be taking part in the Great Kent Cycle in two weeks time, covering 200 miles around the county in just three days for Kent Sports Trust and Help for Heroes. I’ve also just accepted a place to run the London Marathon for the Mental Health Foundation next year so while I’ve retired from hockey, I picked up a stick again and managed to convinced a lot of former team mates to do the same so we could raise lots of money for these great charities. While taking on my 12-year-old daughter Grace and her friends was fun, it was also very competitive and there’ll be lots of aching mums this week so it’s back to the bike and running for me until next year!”

The next event for Anchorians is its annual open day on Saturday 2^nd September when players of all ages and abilities, including those new to the sport, can join in a mixed seven-a-side tournament.