U18 Boys #RELENTLESS pursuit of the 8 Nations

 

The Irish Under 18 Boys Hockey squad is a self-funded team, coached and managed by volunteers, and this year we are working our way towards the Eight Nations in Germany. Just two years ago, a large cohort of this group was just back from a series against England as they prepared for the Under 16 Six Nations, but COVID got in the way, with many of the boys never having the opportunity to represent their country. Our #RELENTLESS pursuit of the Eight Nations continues now at Under 18 level, and we need your help!!

 

To prepare for the Eight Nations in July, the Boys are involved in an intense training program that includes regular squad sessions, training camps and test series against other Nations. This April, we head to England to participate in a Five Nations event against The Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium. We also play Scotland in a three match series later in the program.

 

This program is entirely self-funded, and to get through it; we are looking to raise €80,000 through donations and sponsorships.

 

Hockey has over 50,000 participants across the island of Ireland, and the profile of the sport is growing rapidly especially following the tremendous success of the senior women's and men's teams over recent years. While funding has increased for those teams, the Junior Age Group (JAG) teams are entirely self-funded. Every player needs to meet the expenses incurred by Hockey Ireland for the JAG teams.

 

It's an incredible honour to be selected, but each player has to contribute/fundraise over €3,500 (per player) to take part in the full program. We are raising funds for pitch hire, travel and accommodation costs (including that of the voluntary coaching staff), kit, performance analysis, etc.

 

Our parents are incredibly supportive of us both, as individuals and teammates, giving their emphatic support, helping us to reach our targets and dreams, and we take this opportunity to thank them. But to play a part in this amazing journey, we are seeking assistance from you, our countrymen and women, which would help with the financial pressure on our families. Hockey is still one of the only team sports Ireland is successful in at the Olympic level, and you can help it be even more successful in the future by investing in us now.

 

We thank you for any and all support you can give. If you would like a photograph for the office wall, or a personalised photo of your key player this is possible and a fitting thanks for your contribution.