Whilst the Northern Premier league had concluded in early March and the ladies were confirmed as league winners, there was a small window of doubt about promotion to the National league as the National league itself could not be concluded in March due to the COVID-19 outbreak stopping all hockey.

This means that Didsbury Northern Ladies 1s will join the Men’s 1s in playing in their respective England Hockey North Conference League. Didsbury Northern now join a small group of hockey clubs that are represented at this level by both Ladies and Men’s sides, which is a testament to the hard work and commitment of everyone involved within the club.

The 2019/20 season proved to be a very successful one for the Ladies 1s, who put together an outstanding series of results and showed fantastic consistency. Playing 22 fixtures and securing wins in 20 of those games, drawing two and amassing a total of 62 points out of a possible 66 available to complete an undefeated season. Captain Nicky Kellett led the scoring charts with a stunning 32 league goals with Annie Holmes adding a further 17 goals and new recruit Charlotte Hobbs scoring with 13 goals. As well as a free scoring forward line, the ladies also built their success on a solid defensive base which conceded a misery 21 goals all season.

The Ladies 1s had a busy season on the playing front and used a large squad of players to ensure that the intensity and focus didn’t drop at any point, some 23 players were used over the season with competition for places remaining high. To support this effort from the players there is a dedicated backroom team, led by Head Coach Kevin Heath and supported by Katie Hall, Stewart Kellett and Cassie Wood ensuring that the smallest details are reviewed and developed within the group as we look to continue our progress.

The coming season promises to be another exciting chapter in the development of Didsbury Northern as the Ladies 1s look to follow in the footsteps of the Mens 1s and make an impression in the National League. If you would like to be involved in the exciting next chapter for Didsbury Northern ladies 1s please contact Ladies 1s Captain Nicky Kellett