As the start of the season looms, I would just like to remind all coaches of the necessity for taking out insurance.

As a qualified coach, it is a legal requirment to be insured. This is to cover yourself against any legal action that could potentially be brought against you for a variety of reasons.

England Hockey offer an insurance scheme through Perkin Slade which is covered in more detail under the coaching section of the website (www.englandhockey.co.uk).

Application form

Kind Regards
Laura Nulty Regional Development Administrator
England Hockey - North
north@englandhockey.org

The NYUPL is made up of the top 20 under 21 umpires in the country and at 14 Thomas is one of the youngest on the list. In the coming 12 months he will receive individual coaching and can be appointed to umpire at National under 18 events.

Our deepest sympathy goes to his wife and family.This comes as a reward for some excellant performances in his first season of umpiring which has seen him officiate at a series of represenatative matches including North girls under 15 and under 17 sides, North West boys under 17s, the North of England under 16 county chamionship and at the Eurohockey Legacy tournaments in Manchester.

As well as umpiring, Thomas captains Hall Cross under 15 side and is an active player at Doncaster Hockey Club and has represented Yorkshire at under 15 level this season.