Club hope Rio heroics will raise profile

Maidstone Hockey Club are out to attract new players on the back of Great Britain’s Olympic success. The profile of the sport has increased since Britain’s women won gold in Rio last Friday, beating Holland on penalties in a final watched by nine million TV viewers. It’s hoped interest will be reflected when Maidstone host their annual Hockfest at Armstrong Road tomorrow (Saturday, from 10.30am). It’s part of a national push and is aimed at new and returning players – men and women, boys and girls. Maidstone chairman Matt Evans, who will welcome Maidstone & The Weald MP Helen Grant, said: “It’s a chance for existing players to blow away the cobwebs and for anyone else to pick up a stick, see what hockey’s all about, see what the club’s about and see what the social side is all about. “I’m hoping the success in the Olympics will springboard hockey. “Being on primetime TV, moving the 10 o’clock news and Maddie Hinch’s performance in goal have put hockey right up there. “Nine million viewers – we just don’t get that for our sport. “It’s wonderful to have that coverage and we really want to try and get on the back of that.” It’s free to take part in Hockeyfest, with matches held at the following times: 11am ladies; 12.15pm juniors; 2pm men. There will also be a coaching session from 1.15-2pm and a barbecue from 3.30-7pm. Simply turn up and play.

GB women strike gold – page 72