Wakefield Hockey Club started the summer off by letting Martin Long loose to create Martin’s Mega Mix, a mixed tournament for the men’s and women’s section to compete in on a bi weekly basis with a theme for each week. This started with the 80’s, and continued with the 90’s, naughty’s, and beyond. There was also a player take over for music and finished off with “the greatest hits”, the music that players wanted to hear more of before the end of the mega mix fun.

Over the weeks of surveys, making tweaks and getting Roshan and Joel on the mic, Martin’s Mega Mix started as an idea and turned into a phenomenon and extremely engaging for all players. Due to its popularity, there was even a waitlist.

After losing out on over half the hockey season, not seeing friends due to COVID restrictions, and so many things being cancelled, Martin’s Mega Mix gave our WHC squads something to look forward to and compete in on a weekly basis. Players put themselves into positions that they weren’t used to such as defenders giving striker a go and vice versa. First team players from both sections were mixed together with players from lower down the club and it was a great way to get to know players from across the club, make new friends and learn a few new skills as well.

From an umpiring perspective, it allowed two of our young umpires to practice and improve their skills ready to take their level 1 in the near future.

What made the mega mix so exciting though was Martin’s enthusiasm, commitment and dedication to the entire event, which resonated not just across the players but also the support team that helped including Roshan, Joel, Sue, Jack, Lis and our umpires Steve, Helen Royan, Helen Hillard, Paul, Zara and Lucy. We cannot forget Lou Crook and Julie Blanchard for keeping us in check and sorting out the raffle.

Of course, there is naturally high praise from our Club President Helen Royan:

“Saturday saw the last of the Mega-Mix sessions which have been enjoyed by so many club members and also some friends and family. 

A massive vote of thanks is due to Martin Long for coming up with the idea and organising everything for every session. His enthusiasm and humour has made it a must-attend event. Mega-Mix has proved so popular that people are already asking for it to become an annual event. 

Martin you are a STAR!”

So will Mega Mix be back next year? Who knows but if you do want it back as an annual event then please let Martin or you club captains that you want the Return of the Mega Mix!