Hockey Get in on the Movember Act

Although many may have been reeling from the effects of the Mo Darts event from the night before, the Hockey Club managed to draw a crowd for their Annual Hockey Sevens tournament on 16 November. The tournament provided some light-hearted and cheery entertainment in the name of good sportsmanship and tackling testicular cancer.

The relaxed round-robin format prioritised inclusivity and participation, as opposed to the regularly scheduled competitiveness. Despite the inevitable challenge of organising a tournament during the depths of deadlines and amidst the swathe of Movember events, the atmosphere was great and the event a success! Stott, a member of the Battlesticks Battalion, said, “There was a great turnout and everyone got really stuck in!”

A central element of the tournament was its fundraising mission, which raised £400 in total. While the Hockey Club handled the logistics of the day, the Movember Committee deserves credit for driving the charity to new heights this year by sharing updates, bolstering participation, handling communications, and encouraging sports teams to stay motivated.

For participants, the draw of the tournament came not only from the Movember cause, but from the easy-going and newcomer-friendly setting: “People brought their friends along, and so most of the teams were really relaxed and no one was taking it too seriously, " said Stott.

Things got heated in the Battalions’ clash with NIXDHC (your guess is as good as mine as to what that means). After losing out in a fiery encounter, the Battalions will be thirsty for revenge next year. 

The fast-paced nature of sevens hockey made the event lively. Rapid games ensured every player had plenty of pacey pitch time. With the cheer of friends on the sidelines, the mood was energetic, with lighthearted rivalry and a charitable purpose.

The hockey club’s embracing of Movember emphasises the enthusiasm, organisation, and charitable focus that so much of our student body shares, especially during this time of year. Although a cold and busy month, it has been great to see such involvement. From extreme challenges, fun activities, and with major social events like Mo Ball and Movember Sinners, this month has offered a lot to enjoy but also pride ourselves in.

Ultimately, the tournament showcased the best of what university sport can offer: teamwork, joy, community spirit, and the opportunity to make a real difference. Whether scoring goals or cheering from the sidelines, every participant played a role in turning hockey into a platform for awareness, connection, and positive change.

Image by Katie Stott