Coaching Solutions are delighted to be associated with the Midlands in supporting the Midland leagues. As a new company devoted to the development of hockey, it is a privilege to have the confidence of the Midlands at a time when Midland clubs are gaining so much success, at all levels.

On behalf of all hockey clubs in the Midlands I am sure you would want me to congratulate, and thank, DTZ for their support for the last nine years. I trust that Coaching Solutions and the Midlands can look forward to the same successful relationship.

Steve Floyd (far left) and England Captain Craig Parnham, together with Coaching Solutions colleagues, present Martin Gotheridge, President of MRHA, with a corporate shirt to mark the official launch of the Coaching Solutions Hockey League.

The success of Leek, in gaining promotion this year, continues the long line of Midland Premier Division teams who have made that all important step into the National League. I wish them all the best in the coming season, as I do to all our National League teams, led, as ever, by Cannock.

It is worth noting that, for the 2004/5 season, teams in the Premier Division will probably be playing for automatic promotion into the National League. If accepted, this proposal will add an extra edge to the competition in that league.

I would also like to acknowledge the excellent work undertaken by the League Committee members, within the Midland Regional Hockey Association. Without their commitment the Midland hockey leagues would not be as vibrant as they are. Martin Gotheridge (Chairman), Peter Cranswick (Secretary) and their league Secretaries, ensure that we have probably the best and most competitive league in the country.

Being very much involved with the development of young players Coaching Solutions is very keen to be an active partner during this new era in Midland hockey sponsorship. I would encourage clubs to keep in touch with us during the season and would be only too happy to support junior events wherever possible.

The next two years are crucial to our sport, at the highest level. Coaching Solutions is delighted to have the support of Craig Parnham (Cannock and England). We wish Craig and the rest of the national team, particularly those Midland players who get selected, all the very best for the European Nations Cup in Barcelona and ultimately at the Olympics next year. As captain of England, Craig is a great ambassador for hockey, and an ideal role model for the young, and not so young, in the Midlands.

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