Doncaster Hockey Club (UK) – Proposed Tour

Doncaster, England Trip Proposal

Doncaster Hockey Club can receive three males and three females. Numbers can be lower but not more male or female.

They have five senior male and four female teams. Geelong players can play in the Doncaster 2nds or 3rds on a Saturday. At this stage the captains have agreed to the influx but if that changes the alternative is to play a mixed format on a Sunday morning. Both is also an opportunity.

Doncaster are not keen to change the format of the First team.

Accommodation is to be provided at no cost but it would be expected you would contribute in some manner. All endeavours will be made to get accommodation with Doncaster HC members.

During the week there will be a full array of hockey opportunities on offer. Coaching juniors, seniors training and taking coaching clinics at under 10 level up. There may also be the opportunities to run sessions at the local schools. This aspect is optional and you may wish to travel somewhere during
the week. A trip from London to Paris is commonplace and is achieved in a couple of days.

The start date at Doncaster is 11 th January, 2025 (first game after the break) for three weeks with a chance of an extra week. This can be negotiated when there. The return date I had in mind was 31 st January but that is up to you.

The advantage of this proposal is that the whole six, or less do not have to leave or depart at the same time. Those travelling may wish to leave earlier and travel at their choice and expense. They also have the opportunity to return when it suits staying on to travel. Great deal of flexibility.

The cost to you is the airfare. I have gone through Flight Centre at Leopold with Genevieve whom I have used before. This is not locked in and you are able to source and book your own flight and return if you wish. Genevieve has flights to London and return at $3,131. As you know you can get cheaper but it takes you longer. It depends on how you value your flight time over money. The benefit of this proposal is you decide based on your circumstances.

Genevieve has also sourced a four night stay in London upon arrival for $800 each twin share which includes breakfast or $1,400 per person single room. That is good value but is optional. Cost of train to Doncaster from London is $35-60 per person. This varies greatly depending on the time of travel and notice given. To book on the day of departure for example it can cost $400. The overall cost is to you depends on what you wish to do in relation to travel and spending money.

The minimum cost would be airfare and train trip to Doncaster. The amount of spending money depends on you. You get used to the warm beer.

As this is a GHA proposal we would welcome the opportunity to support you in the form of a fund raiser or moderate donation or in kind. If you feel you would like more to be organised then am happy to assist you on any aspect.

There are a few interested and as numbers are limited it would be first in best dressed which means booking the flight.

Please let me know if I have missed any aspect or need to better explain anything.

Graeme Dent
Gkdent67@gmail.com 25.6.24