Whether you are playing, coaching, umpiring, supporting from the sidelines or helping behind the scenes, thank you for being part of South Saxons. There is plenty happening as we get the 2026/27 season underway, so here is a quick summary on the key things every member needs to know. Further information can be found on the corresponding news articles on the club website.

## Club Day – Sunday 13 September

Our **Annual Hockey Club Day** takes place this Sunday, **13 September, from 11:00am–2:00pm at Horntye**. It is a great opportunity to kick off the new season together, catch up with teammates and welcome new faces to the club.

The day includes a **Junior Session from 11:00am–12:00pm (£5)** and an **Adult Mixed Tournament from 12:00pm–2:00pm (£10)**, with a BBQ item included in the price. There will also be professional team and individual photographs, a raffle and cake sale.

**Most importantly – bring a friend!** If you know someone who used to play hockey, has been thinking about returning to the game, or simply fancies giving it a try, Club Day is the perfect opportunity to introduce them to South Saxons. Everyone is welcome.

## Training Times – We’re Back!

Formal coaching has now restarted for the 2026/27 season. Our regular training programme is split between **Horntye on Tuesdays** and **Bexhill Academy on Wednesdays**.

**Tuesday – Horntye AstroTurf:** Juniors train **6:30–7:45pm**, followed by **Women’s 1s & 2s and Men’s 4s & 5s from 7:45–9:00pm**.

**Wednesday – Bexhill Academy AstroTurf:** **Men’s 1s & 2s and goalkeeper training from 8:00–9:30pm**.

Men’s 3s players will train with the appropriate group depending on their development pathway, with players progressing towards the M1/M2 squads able to train on Wednesday at captains’ discretion and others training within the Tuesday session. M3 players should not attend both sessions.

## Membership Fees – Important Reminder

The club has introduced a simpler subscription structure for 2026/27. With the cost of running South Saxons expected to be around **£40,000 this season**, it is important that everyone plays their part in keeping the club financially sustainable. ([southsaxonshc.co.uk][3])

For adult teams and JDL players, the **Joining Fee is £150 for adults and £100 for concessions**, including juniors, students and other eligible concessionary players. Match fees are then **£15 for adults and £10 for concessions per game**. Flights/U12 players have no joining fee and continue at **£20 per month** by rolling Direct Debit.

**Please remember that Joining Fees need to be paid by the end of September** for players to remain eligible for selection. If you have exceptional circumstances or need to discuss a flexible payment arrangement, please speak to your Captain or Section Head.

## Our Teams – 2026/27

South Saxons will once again field **seven adult league teams – five Men’s and two Women’s sides** – providing hockey across a wide range of standards and offering opportunities for experienced players, developing players and those returning to the sport.

**Women’s Section:** The **Women’s 1s** will compete in **South East Women’s Division 1 Martlets**, while the **Women’s 2s** play in **South East Women’s Division 3 Martlets**.

**Men’s Section:** The **Men’s 1s** compete in **South East Open – Men’s Division 1 West**. The **Men’s 2s** compete in **Division 1 Martlets**. The **Men’s 3s and Men’s 4s** will both compete in **Division 3 Martlets**, giving us two Saxons sides in the same division this season. The **Men’s 5s Development Team**, following their South East Open/Men’s Team of the Year recognition last season, will compete in **Division 4 Martlets**.

Not forgetting our thriving Junior section and development sides. For further information on our junior section please contact Simon Richardson.

It promises to be another busy and exciting season across the club. Good luck to all seven teams as the competitive fixtures get underway.

## Here’s to a Great Season

South Saxons is about much more than Saturday results. It is about providing hockey for our local community, developing players and young people, supporting one another and enjoying being part of the club.

**Come along to Club Day, bring a friend, get back to training and help us make 2026/27 another fantastic season for South Saxons Hockey Club.**

**Fun • Hockey • Community**

We look forward to another great season and community atmosphere.