After a long hard fought season, Luton Town HC held it's annual awards dinner earlier this month to celebrate the seasons successes.
The honour for the Team of the Year went to Ladies first X1, who narrowly missed out on promotion from the Five Counties Premier League by just one point. A huge effort from all the ladies involved, especially by captain Ella Dagnall. Also the two coaches Grant Homann and Peter Lewsey, who have been ever present throughout the season.
Hayley Huckle won the Ladies First Team Player of the Year award, with Helen Beattie claiming the 2nd XI Team Player of the Year trophy.
The Men’s First Team honour went to veteran goal keeper Tom Dobson, with the seconds’ to William Maidment, thirds’ to Sam Herbert and fourths’ to Kailum Mistry. A fantastic effort by all that were involved. The strength of juniors shines through as 3 of the 4 award winners were U18, and all coming through the junior academy.
Suzanne Starkey and Daniel Shearer were the the Ladies and Men’s Top Goalscorer, while Young Players’ of the Year went to Leah O’Shaughnessy, Amber Lewsey and Sam Herbert.
Most Improved Players were Kaitlyn Bright and Robert Shearer. Again, the winners complimenting the clubs' junior development as both players being U16!
Club awards went to James Wallis, Rebecca Blanchett and Daniel Shearer, to recognise the work they put in behind the scenes!
The prestigious Ron Daniels Award for Junior Development was won by Chris Ryan. Chris has been a member at Luton Town HC for over 30 years, and being a junior once himself understands the importance of Junior Development. His initiatives and ideas have helped continue the clubs excellent work with local schools and the surrounding community.
And finally and most importantly, the club issued it's very first Lifetime Achievement to Tricia Murphy who has been involved with the club for more than 35 years and taken on countless roles. She's been fundamental part in the clubs Junior Development and women's hockey. Before that it was the merger between two local hockey clubs, Bedfordshire Eagles and Luton Ladies, to form what we currently know today as - Luton Town Hockey Club!