TEAM GB enjoyed incredible success at the Rio Olympics but perhaps the most memorable moment came when the women’s hockey team won a thrilling gold medal.

Inspired by goalkeeper Maddie Hinch, Britain saw off the Netherlands on penalties.

And local hockey clubs now hope the terrific triumph can lead to more people being inspired to take up the sport.

Southend and Benfleet Ladies Hockey Club train regularly alongside Rochford’s men’s side at King Edmund School.

And they both now hope to be able to bolster their numbers.

“The Olympics was fantastic and hopefully even more people will start playing hockey,” said S & B’s press officer Jo Hall.

“I ran Southend parkrun in my hockey kit the day after the final and had so many people coming up to me to talk about the Olympics.

“We really need a keeper. We have one at the moment for three teams and hope somebody who was inspired by Maddie Hinch may come along.

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Taking a shot - Jo Hall

“I don’t think many schools really play much hockey anymore but hopefully this will get more people playing.”

S & B, who have had at least one team promoted every year since being formed, run a popular youth section which regularly sees around 50 youngsters attending training sessions.

And Hall believes it is a fine sport for all ages to get into it.

“It’s good a fun way of keeping fit and it’s very sociable too,” said Hall.

“I got dragged into playing and then kept at it because of the social side.

“It’s great for all ages - there are people in their seventies who are still playing.”

ROCHFORD BOLSTERED BY SECOND MEN'S SIDE

ROCHFORD will be lining up with two men’s teams for the first time next season and club captain Andy Knight is keen for new players to help continue the club’s progression.

Rochford will have teams in both Division Six and 10 next term.

And while Knight would love to secure more success he also stressed how the club would happily welcome players of any age and ability.

“The last two seasons we’ve been promoted so we now have teams in Division 10 and Division Six which is great because we can bring young players through,” said Knight.

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“But the great thing about hockey is that a whole range of ages and abilities to play it.

“From the age of 13 you can play in the men’s team here and we’ve got enough players to be able to set up two teams for the first time which is great because we nearly folded three or four years ago.

“We’re very welcoming no matter what your ability and it’s also a real family thing to do.

“We’ve got dads and sons playing and getting involved and all people need to come along is enthusiasm.”

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Junior training, for ages six to 13, is held on Monday evenings between 6pm and 7pm at King Edmund School in Rochford. This will start again from September 12.

Adult training for both S & B and Rochford is held Wednesdays between 8pm and 9pm, also at King Edmund, starting September 14.

Visit www.sandbhc.co.uk and www.pitchero.com/clubs/rochfordhockeyclub for more details.

MY TURN TO PLAY

Inspired by the Olympics, I attended a training session with S & B and Rochford to try out the sport for the very first time.

Unfortunately, I didn’t get off to the best of starts when I found out I couldn’t play left handed.

But thankfully I was still able to get used to playing the opposite way round to normal!

The passing drill I started with went well and I was at least able to stop the ball when it came in my direction.

Shooting with power proved to be more of a challenge but I at least managed to get it on target!

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In action - Echosport's Chris Phillips

What surprised me the most was just how tiring the simplest of tasks proved to be and it wasn’t long before I was covered in sweat.

Despite that, I found it incredibly enjoyable and it was very apparent how well everyone got on and how much fun they obviously have.

I would definitely love to try out hockey again – I’ll just make sure everyone plays left handed next time!