HOCKEY: A new, simplified version of hockey has arrived in Oxford, which organisers hope will attract more people to the game.
Rush Hockey has been developed by the England Hockey Board (EHB), and plays a similar role to the traditional game that five-a-side soccer does to football. Aimed at people who want to play a team sport but can't find the time to commit to one, weekly Rush Hockey taster sessions have been launched at the new Oxford Community Arena in Marsh Lane, Marston.
Rush Hockey leagues will be starting at the arena in the New Year. The taster sessions and leagues are open to players of all abilities, both male and female.
Games will be played indoors and outdoors, with a larger, lighter hockey ball, smaller goals, with mixed and single gender teams self umpiring. Simple rules include no deliberate feet, using back of stick, stick tackling, or contact with other players, no lifting stick and ball above knee height, players can score from anywhere and after a goal, play is restarted from the centre of the pitch. When a rule is broken, ball awarded to opposing team.
Currently, 143,000 people in England play hockey at least once a month with 82,000 currently taking part in organised competitions. Holly Woodford, development director at the England Hockey Board, said: “Rush Hockey is just what people in Oxford need to remind them how much fun the sport can be. It’s a great way to play whether you are new to the sport or play regularly.
"It tackles lack of spare time with shorter 40 minute games. It smashes through fitness worries with smaller pitches. It’s indoors, it’s outdoors, it’s five-a-side or four-a-side. Players can get all the team spirit, huddles and thrills whenever and wherever they want. Grab your stick and join the game now, jump onto Facebook and chat to local fellow players in Oxford.”
For more information, visit www.rushhockey.co.uk
