New Junior Co-Chairs Named

South East Hockey is pleased to announce the appointment of David Parsons and Natasha Hookway as the new Junior Co-Chairs for the Area. Together, they bring extensive experience in junior hockey leadership, competition delivery and club development, and will help guide the growth of junior hockey across the South East.

The Junior Chair role provides vision, leadership and strategic direction for junior hockey competitions and activities across the Area, working in partnership with England Hockey, the Area Board and the Sub-Areas to deliver a strong and engaging programme for players from Under 8 to Under 18. The role also carries responsibility for ensuring effective committee leadership, clear reporting, robust budget oversight and the consistent delivery of the junior competitions framework.

Experience across the junior game

David Parsons has held a number of important leadership roles within Kent hockey, including Treasurer, Junior Competitions Coordinator and Administrator for the Kent player pathway. His background also includes founding Kent’s Junior League, coaching county hockey for around 25 years, and helping to establish the junior section at Folkestone Optimists through school outreach and club development.

Natasha Hookway brings extensive experience from Sussex and club hockey, having served as Junior Coordinator, Junior Coach, Club Co-Chair, Junior Development League Coordinator, In2Hockey lead and Schools Competition Coordinator. She has a strong track record of building participation through junior hockey, with a particular focus on school links, festival hockey and creating opportunities for more children to access the game.

A shared remit

Working together, the co-chairs will provide strategic leadership for the junior game while ensuring strong partnership working between the Area and the Sub-Areas. Their remit includes overseeing junior competitions and events, supporting the implementation of the junior competitions framework, ensuring alignment with England Hockey guidance, and maintaining a strong focus on welfare, safety and player development.

They will also represent junior hockey at Area, Sub-Area and national level where required, provide regular updates to the Area Board, and help ensure that decisions and developments are communicated clearly across the junior hockey network. In addition, they will have responsibility for the junior competitions budget and for making sure resources are allocated transparently and effectively.

How the role will be shared

To help ensure clear ownership and effective delivery, the co-chairs have agreed an initial split of responsibilities.David will co-chair lead on budget setting, indoor hockey, junior competitions leagues, safety and U14 State School Festivals, while Natasha will co-chair lead on schools, In2Hockey, talent and welfare.

Several areas will be managed jointly, including the Junior Framework, the National Framework and transgender-related matters, reflecting their importance across the whole junior pathway. The pair have also expressed an intention to build a South East directory of junior contacts and to meet regularly with sub-area leads and chairs so that feedback can be shared and the junior programme remains joined up and responsive.

Looking ahead

The new co-chairs are keen to work closely with clubs, counties and sub-areas to strengthen collaboration and ensure that junior hockey in the South East continues to offer a positive, inclusive and well-organised experience for young players. Their combined experience, shared commitment and practical approach will be a real asset as South East Hockey continues to develop the junior game.