Club Membership Fee Update

We want to let all members know that we are proposing an increase to membership fees for the upcoming season to be voted on at the AGM.

We have held membership fees at their current level for as long as possible, including absorbing the increase in England Hockey affiliation fees for the 2025/26 season, as discussed at the previous AGM. However, rising costs, including England Hockey affiliation, pitch hire, SALSAL membership and general day-today running expenses, mean that our current pricing is no longer sustainable.

To ensure the club remains financially stable, the committee is therefore proposing the following changes for member approval at the AGM:

• Full adult membership will increase to £300 per year, an additional £4.50 a month, equivalent to roughly the cost of a large bag of chips. Other membership categories will increase in line.
• Membership categories will be simplified to make them clearer and easier to understand.
• Juniors predominantly playing adult hockey will be required to hold an adult membership, with junior training available as an add‑on.
• Junior membership payment options will be expanded to include a 12‑month payment plan, helping to spread the cost over the year.

In addition, the committee is exploring the introduction of a referral bonus scheme and a family membership option, to see whether these could provide further value and support for our members. We will share more details once their feasibility has been fully assessed.

The full set of proposed membership categories and prices is now available on the club website, attached to this article. If approved at the AGM, the new pricing structure would take effect from 1 April.

We appreciate that proposed changes like this may raise questions. Please send any queries to the club Secretary, Tom , and a member of the committee will be happy to help.

If you are experiencing financial difficulties or feel that the proposed increase may be a barrier to continuing your membership, please contact the secretary in confidence. We remain committed to supporting our members wherever possible.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support