This Easter Moss Park past, present and future descended on Blackpool for the 62nd Blackpool Easter Hockey Festival.

With the weather unseasonably cold M.U.T.S went well prepared with even our mascot, Troy the boxer puppy,  traveling with his own blanket. However laughter, poo stories and maybe a bit of alcohol kept us warm throughout the long weekend and despite the snow and sea breeze an excellent time was had by all.

Highlights included fancy dress night, when the team turned out as a ‘Hive’ of Amy’s and subsequently got refused from three Blackpool restaurants, Kerry’s very own ‘Dirty Dancing’ moment and our valiant (but failed) attempt on the final night to get the next day’s opposition incapacitated.

Most surprising of all was our unbeaten run over the first three days, resulting in a Easter Monday semi final against the Topsy Turvies.  Unfortunately by this point a number of the team were suffering from sleep deprivation (and possibly hangovers, although this remains unconfirmed) and M.U.T.S narrowly missed out on a final place, losing 2-1 in what was a entertaining game.

Thanks to the organisers at Blackpool Hockey Club for an excellent and well run festival, our long suffering hosts at our B&B and most of all our ‘fun bus’ driver, Ellen Stephenson who ferried us about during the weekend.

It's been an odd start to the year for the Moss with snow and ice forcing the cancellation of both training and games over a number of weeks. However, with our normal determination the Moss has continued to fight back with the Second Team recently securing a draw against Rochdale and the First Team only narrowly missing out on a point thanks to a last minute goal from Alderley Edge. Both teams have a number of games left and still have everything to play for before the season draws to a close.

However, despite the cancellations the end of the season is in sight and it is time to start thinking about the summer, which will bring with it tours and summer hockey.
Moss Park will be attending two tours this year.The first will be the Blackpool Festival between the 29th March - 1st April. It is an 11-a-side tournament with each team playing about 9 games over the weekend. We are one of 9 womens teams entered and there are plenty of mens and mixed teams going too. We will be staying in B+B accommodation from Friday to Monday.
The second has a slightly more continental feel and will be organised jointly with a team from London headed by former Moss Parker Amanda Irwin. It is the annual Paris tour which many of our club have attended previously. Although you won't see much of the city Paris is an excellent chance to enjoy some European sunshine in good company from a number of different countries. The tour this year takes place between the 10th-12th May, accommodation is provided in student digs and most food is provided by the organisers. The major cost of the tour is the flights over.
Please get in touch with Cath Holland if you are interested in either tour. A deposit for Blackpool will be required by the 1st March in order to cover registration fees.

A "Save the Date" has already been sent out for the End of Season Do which will once again be held at the Willow Bank Hotel on the 20th April. Tickets cost £25 and include a 3 course dinner. Please get in touch with Lucy or Jos for tickets.

 Happy New Year to all our members and friends. I hope you've enjoyed the festive season and that Santa brought you lots of nice new hockey kit in your stockings. 

Training starts tomorrow on 3rd January at Trinity High School giving you the perfect opportunity to burn off some of the Christmas calories before the second half of the season kicks off at the weekend. The next few games are  crucial for both teams so why not make a late New Year Resolution to attend every training session left of the season. 

If you haven't visited our website before and are looking for a club to join it's not to late to come along to a training session to meet our teams and coaches. If you're new to the game or haven't played for a while just ask about our development team which trains with the rest of the club and plays friendlies throughout the season. 

Manchester Moss Park has had a great Olympic Summer cheering on our bronze medal winning woman at the smurf turf. However the season is nearly upon us so it's time to pick up your sticks and get yourself down to training.

If you've been inspired to pick up a stick again why not  join us for our first training session of the season on Thursday 23rd August at Trinity High School? The session starts at 7pm, lasts 2 hours and is run by a qualified coach.

We welcome all whether you're a complete beginner, returning to hockey or a experienced player so if you fancy giving the game a go why not join us, no commitment needed. 

Training takes place at Trinity High School, Cambridge Street, Manchester. We are very close to the Oxford Road bus routes and only ten minutes walk from central Manchester. There is plenty of parking available on site as well as brand new changing facilities so there's no excuse for not giving hockey a go. 

In a change to the original schedule pre-season fitness training will now take place at William Hulme Grammar School between 7and 8pm (still on Mondays)

IMPORTANT - Rob has requested that we bring sticks to the William Hulme sessions.

The sessions are a mixture of stamina and sprint training through a variety of exercises and games, everyone who has been down so far have found them really positive and challenging. 

If you thinking of joining the club these sessions are an ideal chance to come and meet some of the players at no cost or obiligation. Just contact us through the website for more information. 

Have you been watching the olympic hockey and wish you'd never given  up? Did you play hockey at school and have been inspired to pick up your stick again?

Moss Park Hockey Club is a successful women's club playing in the Greater Manchester League and North West Feeder League. We offer competitive hockey with a friendly atmosphere, regardless of whether you're an experienced or novice player. We pride ourselves on offering a warm welcome to all, whatever your standard.

Pre-season training is underway so its a perfect time to dust off your stick and come down to meet us. Check the calender for current sessions.

Moss Park were crowned Manchester Summer League Champions this evening, beating Glossop Ladies 2-0 in the Division 4 final.

After a convincing 7-0 win in their semi final game Moss had a much tougher challenge in the final, facing formidable rivals Glossop. Despite being held to a 0-0 draw at full time  Moss held their nerve and went on to beat Glossop 2-0 on flicks with Louise Mccutcheon and Sandra Harwood both netting their penalties and Shelia Birkett making two spectacular saves to see Moss crowned champions.

Well done to everyone who has played during Summer League - both old and new players. Remember pre-season training starts at Sale Sports Club on Monday 30th July - see you there!

A list of fitness and pitch pre season training is now available on the website events calander as well as information on the Clitheroe and Greater Manchester pre season tournaments. Fixtures and Results for the 2012 / 2013 have also been added to the website.

In addition to the formal events the club will be supporting the Hockey House at O'Neill's, Didsbury throughout the olympics and promoting the club during GB games. Please respond to Nicky's email so we know which matches you can attend.