Slipping through the cracks: Ulster hockey fears crisis could halt national momentum

The summer months are typically when most clubs look to take care of their finances, often acquiring enough money to see them through the next season.

“During a summer break a lot of clubs would do summer camps, and it’s a big time of year in terms of fundraising, annual dinners and awards nights,” McCay explains.

“Those are often the events that raise the money for the seasons to come and the seasons before.”

Currently there are no Ulster hockey clubs that have received any government funding aside from the £2,000 sports Hardship Fund during the Covid-19 crisis.

Falling short of the rateable value required to receive the retail, tourism and leisure grant leaves has left the clubs scrambling to ensure their existence for when they can eventually return to activity.

“Honestly the clubs are surviving with a lot of difficulty,” says McCay.

“Regardless if you’re a club with your own property or one relying on someone else, they both bring their own challenges.

“Clubs that exist on their own have the upkeep of their own clubhouse and are at a loss in terms of their bar takings.”

With no set date for a return to action, Ulster hockey are hoping for enough financial assistance to ensure the sport can pick up where it left off in terms of youth participation and national coverage when such a time comes.