How Manx hockey adapted during lockdown
Rossborough Insurance-sponsored Manx hockey is well and truly thriving with around 1,000 players of all ages competing in the Isle of Man leagues most weekends.
However, 2020 has been a year like no other with Covid-19 leading to the postponement of the sport for six months with the men’s, women’s and under 16 leagues only resuming in September.
At one point, it appeared the season may have to be cancelled before the Manx Hockey Association (MHA) helped put in place a safe return for players, officials and spectators, keeping Rossborough in the loop as the months progressed.
But during those months of inactivity and lockdown, how did players keep match-fit and ensure they were ready for a possible return with league titles delicately poised?
John Sheath, Chairman of the MHA, said: ‘It was a real team effort all round. Naturally we were delighted that the MHA made the sensible decision to try and complete the season when it was safe to do so.
‘Yet it wasn’t as simple as announcing a date and players and officials returning. Maintaining a certain level of fitness was key, especially for the leading clubs, and that was achieved in different ways.
‘All clubs embraced not being able to play in similar ways, by going for runs and simulating gym exercises at home. I am unsure if any went to wild extremes but I know of at least one person who resorted to chopping wood with an axe to get some upper arm work going on!
‘The difficulty with not being able to meet up with others, never mind no facilities being available, had an obvious impact on everyone, but like the axe wielding player, circumstances drove creativity!’
Running was a particular favourite and a number of players Island-wide joined the Manx isolation series: 5km running circuits (released each week during lockdown by the father of a former player).
Online classes were naturally popular with players able to continue their normal sessions, including HitFit, CrossFit and yoga.
In addition, many photos were posted on Instagram following players who took part in the ‘Run 5, Donate 5, Nominate 5’ challenge to support the NHS, while one member went the extra mile and shaved his hair for the NHS too!
Some of the online initiatives are continuing. For example, a number of senior players kept fit by joining a Strava league - a running, walking or cycling league to see who could go the most miles each week – which is ongoing.
John added: ‘It’s wonderful that so many players and club members were able to train and speak regularly, in some cases daily, via the many social media group chats. Even committee meetings were held via Facebook Messenger or Zoom so everyone could be kept informed of any changes and updates.
‘At MHA level we used Zoom to stay connected and managed to run the Association via Zoom, email and telephone for several months until we could actually meet again in person, back in August.’
Castletown Hockey Club, which lent training equipment to players, was among the most active with a series of regular video challenges and a fun ‘loo roll challenge’ video, fun online player profiles and a weekly quiz night. Post lockdown, many clubs also held family friendly events such as BBQs and a family rounders event.
Ann Collins, Managing Director of Rossborough Insurance (IOM), said: ‘As a Manx business heavily invested in the community, we are keen to support local hockey and continue our strong relationship with the Manx Hockey Association.
‘Naturally, everyone’s lockdown experience was different but the way clubs kept in contact with their members and each other, both fitness wise and on the social front, was heartening to hear and a proactive approach which sums up the spirit of Manx hockey.
‘It is great that as many as possible have remained involved with the sport during such a surreal year.
‘I am told by the MHA that some clubs have also reported a spike in numbers attending training sessions so it’s clear players are definitely pleased to be back!’