Below are some answers which may help you if you want to find something out about our club. If you can’t find what your looking for then please email us and we’ll get back to you.
- I want to play for the Bears, where do I start?
One of the ways most players join our club is by attending their respective Universities Sports Fair during freshers week where the Bears have their own stand. Come and find us at the sports fair and sign up, we will then send you information about trial dates and times. If you miss the sports fair, or want to sign up later in the year, please email us for more information and we will arrange for you to come down to one of our training sessions. Please note that you will require full kit to train with the bears (which can be rented from the club, see below).
- Am I eligable to play for the Bears?
Anyone who is a student or staff member at the University of Sheffield or Sheffield Hallam University is eligable to play for the club along with first year alumni students from both Universities. You may also play for the club if you go to another higher education institution that does not have an ice hockey club, such as Lincoln University, as long as we are the closest club to your University.
- How much does it cost to play for the club?
Ice Hockey is an expensive sport, both in terms of kit required and ice time. Players are required to pay a registration fee to the BUIHA (this includes insurance) which at the time of writing was £50 for the season. Training costs vary but could cost in the region of between £60-100 per semester, or £120-£200 per season. There is also the cost of team buses to away matches, which vary depending on the amount of players and the length of journey.
- I don’t have any kit but I want to play, how much will this cost?
It is worth being aware that Ice Hockey is an expensive sport, and kit can range in price from £200-£500 depending on the quality of the equipment.
- I want to play hockey, but I can’t afford the kit – can I still play?
One of the things the Bears are trying to do is offer kit to new players in their first season to allow them to play the sport without having to pay out for the kit straight away. We are hoping we will be in a position to loan kit to new players from September 2010.
- I’m interested, but don’t want to pay for kit before knowing if I will enjoy it – what can I do?
We understand that many people who haven’t played before may not like the idea of buying expensive kit without first trying the sport. The club therefore run ‘Give It A Go’ sessions at the beginning of every year where prospective players can come along for a taster session. For more information ask us at your sports fair!
If you have any further questions, please feel free to email the committee at info@sheffieldbears.com. Thank you.