A few of the UEL hockey boys are in their third year which means they’re soon to be graduates and therefore this is their final UEL game forever.
I spoke to the departing players about their time as part of UEL Hockey club and what they hope to achieve in hockey after graduating.
Robert Clover – studying psychology
“Hockey for me started before uni while at school, so no doubt I’ll be continuing to play hockey at club level like I have been doing for the past 7 years, whether it’ll be in London still or moving back up north.”
“Being part of a team has always been amazing as it gives a sense of brotherhood/ togetherness, where you have to learn to pick up your teammates if they’re down or pick up your own performance to help take your team to the next level, so yeah being part of a team has been for me a crucial learning curve as well as an amazing opportunity to bond with people from all walks of life”
Phillip Wilson – studying physiotherapy
“Hockey is something I would like to continue outside of university, I’ll be staying in London so there will be plenty of opportunities with clubs still.”
“My hockey experience at UEL has certainly been an interesting one… we have never been the most successful team but it always recruits such a good bunch of guys and girls who are a lot of fun to be around and it’s that aspect that I shall miss.”
Ho Yeen Fung – studying games development
“I’m not completely sure on what I will be doing in the future but I would consider continuing hockey in my spare time, because I really enjoy playing it. Whether if I go back to my home town or stay in Romford, both of them are close to a hockey club, so there are a few opportunities to play.”
Going on what’s it like being a team, it’s good! Sports club are a fantastic way to meet new friends. I started in my second year, back then I didn’t know a single thing about hockey! Throughout the year I’ve been improving and I’ve got Isaac (captain) mainly to thank. Being part of the hockey team is a barrel of laughs. Met great people and learnt how to play hockey.”
Robert Wheeler – studying sports journalism
“Being a part of the team has been an unbelievable experience, it’s been great to be a part of the team and play every week representing UEL, socially it has been great, especially last season, this season a few players have toned down the socialising a bit, I’ve made lots of great friends through being a part of the team.”
“It would be great to potentially play for a team when I leave as I won’t be eligible to play for a UEL anymore, unless I study masters and extend my contract for two more years! Playing hockey is great as you become part of a team, most club teams are very social as well and I prefer playing a sport as exercise rather than just going to the gym, I don’t have a club to move on to but I guess I’d just have to wait for some offers in the summer!”
The team have shared such wonderful times together and it’s a shame that the hockey season has to come to an end. UEL Hockey hope to continue to recruit new players in the following years, to keep the laughs and memories of UEL Hockey club standing strong.