Since the age of seven, Zoey has been playing hockey, a sport she loves. Together with her brothers, she came into contact with the sport through trial sessions at school. Despite Moira being there during her daughter’s hockey journey, it wasn’t until four years ago that she finally started playing the sport.
For Moira, as a school child, hockey was a sport played on grass without protection – that wasn’t for her. Fast forward to 2018, Moira became fully involved with Ipswich East Suffolk Hockey Club on an administrative and operational level, where today she holds the position of Club Admin. Being so involved with the club where her daughter played, Moira took the opportunity to try hockey with the Back2Hockey session held locally.
At the time, the club did not have a development team, but Zoey played for the seniors at the age of 13, which led to the two playing together during Moira’s second season.
One experience Zoey talks about fondly is the summer league in which she captained a team with her mother. From formations and positions to tactical discussions, Zoey and Moira have built a strong relationship through hockey and enjoy every training and match together. Something the couple love is the teamwork on the field, Zoey plays in the outfield and Moira is a goalkeeper.
Considering Zoey’s experience in the sport compared to her mother, Moira explains how special it is to have a relationship both on and off the pitch: “On the pitch, Zoey will be the first to celebrate a save or pick me up when I’m frustrated by letting in a goal.” The teamwork element of hockey and the reassuring feeling of having someone you know on the field have been important to the mother-daughter relationship.
Moira said: “It has been great to see Zoey’s growth and maturity throughout her hockey journey that I have been a part of. I see her having conversations with many people from across the club.”
While off the field there is the classic relationship between teenage daughter and mother, at home the mother is the mother and she is in charge. On the field they are seen as equals.
Since Moira regularly competed and trained in the sport over the past four years, hockey has brought their separate lives closer together through school and work. The couple shared how they can now spend more time together; Moira has been pushed out of her comfort zone and challenged herself, while continuing to support Zoey from the sidelines.
Moira notes how much of a life lesson it has been for herself; she says people should take those opportunities to try something new, regardless of their age.
“Even if you haven’t considered playing hockey before, there is an opportunity to get involved, regardless of your ability. It should be normal to get involved in something your kids are playing. We see parents playing because that’s what kids do. There’s always a level to play at. Something to be proud of.”
Moira continued: “It was fine to be involved in the administration, but putting yourself on the field is difficult. It makes you appreciate what you ask of your children. You realize that you have so much to learn yourself. A life lesson as parents.”
“Showing your kids that anyone can do it, and creating that encouraging environment just because you had a bad game or practice doesn’t mean you can’t take positives or have those discussions with your family members and teammates.”
Zoey said, “Even if you’re not playing, it’s important to show up and show that you care.” When her family does this, she motivates each other and builds stronger relationships. “It’s not just for you,” Zoey said. “It is the desire to do things for other people, to feel involved and to make your family or friends proud.”
As a woman in her 50s, Moira wanted to highlight the importance of sport and the community around it. “A great break from normal life and an important aspect for both mental and physical health,” Moira added. “You don’t have to be young to start, just starting is enough. There’s no harm in trying, if you don’t enjoy it, at least you gave it a chance.”
An important takeaway from our conversation with Moira was: “It’s very important for girls to play sports. I wish I had played sports when I was younger. Team sports are important for mental health and for building relationships. Playing sports together gives you something extra in family life, it has something fun in common, even if you lose.”
And from Zoey, a mature view: “As a teenager you may doubt yourself or have poor training/performance, other people of the same age probably feel the same way, and there is no shame in talking about it with others!”
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