Underwater hockey back with a blast

MOSSEL BAY SPORT NEWS - After taking a sabbatical of just over a year, Mossel Bay's underwater hockey club is back with all guns blazing. Following construction at their previous regular meeting place, they are now gathering twice a week at the ATKV heated pool in Hartenbos.

Standing strong with about 30 members currently, the club is looking to recruit more young members with a view of participation in the junior nationals coming up early in 2020.

Says club spokesperson, Leanne Walmsley, "The sport is still growing and therefore consists of a smaller, yet committed community."

In the 19 years that the coach, Ken Walmsley has been coaching underwater hockey, the club has produced no less than 90 players who received their national colours. At present, the club consists of members as young as eight years and up to 58. Leanne says, "It really is a sport for everyone," says Leanne.

As for accommodating those with special needs, she says that the sport is particularly suited to people in the autism spectrum. Formerly, the club had star players who were hearing impaired and despite this, shone on an international platform.

It is excellent exercise with the added extra of notable weight loss. "A friend of mine dropped her weight by more than 10kg in a mere three months."

The club meets twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursday from 18:00 to 20:00. For those wanting to try out the sport, the club offers gear on loan. "We really would like to see the club grow. Everyone is welcome to come check it out."

The Eden Electrosharks Club welcomes everyone to try out underwater hockey.