For once it's not the coronavirus affecting one particular sporting team.
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A lack of numbers and a struggle to commit has left Zig Zag women's premier league hockey team unable to field a team for the 2020 competition.
The black, white and blues were unable to keep a lot of players due to a change in work and personal situations, according to Zig Zag women's president Jana Winnard.
"There were a few contributing factors to the folding of the team. We had a lot of girls unable to commit and some who were after a change.
"The interest was there but then again commitment was an issue, we travel every second weekend and some of our girls had children and some were young so it was difficult at times." she said.
Winnard said a few women decided to play for another association which also led to a downfall in numbers.
"Other towns have picked up some of our girls and I thank them all for accommodating us," she said.
She said it would be good for them to have a "fresh, new start".
"[Playing for another association] is a great learning opportunity for some of our girls, with our numbers not always being high most girls always got game time so having to work for a spot in these other teams will make these girls better players," she said.
Winnard said she was sad to see some girls leave but she wished them all the best.
"Every player should have the opportunity to play the sport they love and because our club is a family club we want all our girls to continue playing wherever that is that makes them happy," she said.
She said Zig Zag had always struggled with numbers but the 2019 season was their best year and it showed on the turf.
"We had a great coach which the girls loved and our skill level increased and our overall performance improved.
"Yes it's sad that Zig Zag haven't entered a women's premier team but we ended last year on a high."
Winnard said it wasn't the coronavirus outbreak that had an affect on the folding of the team, however she was concerned about the stress the virus was putting on all clubs.
"I think most sports are struggling with numbers and with the hockey season being shortened because of Covid-19 it might put stress on all clubs as far as sponsorship and training and all that goes with hockey," she said.
Despite the collapse of the women's team and a few leaving players, Winnard said she would remain supporting the club.
"I won't be playing for another team, I have been asked and a few of our others have been asked to play for another team, but most of them have said no and dropped back to our B grade to help boost numbers there.
"For me I would only ever play for Zig Zag, the club has been part of my life since I was five.
"It has helped support me through all of my hockey career and personal life and with being made a life member last year along side my best friend Jess Harris, I wouldn't feel comfortable leaving," she said.
"I bleed black white and blue along side a lot of other girls and this club means the world to me which is why I keep doing what I do," she said.
Winnard said as president of the women's, she'd like to thank every one who has been part of the premier league squad.
"I'd like to thank all previous coaches and managers for their patience, time and commitment and most of all our girls, who turned up each week, put in 100 per cent and never gave up."
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Alanna Tomazin
Alanna is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald with a focus on education. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at alanna.tomazin@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Alanna is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald with a focus on education. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at alanna.tomazin@austcommunitymedia.com.au
