At this time of year, it is now only the strong-willed amongst us who have maintained their New Year’s resolutions, as many people have now given up on making 2018 the year they finally achieve what they have wanted to for several years in a row.

If your New Year’s resolution was to take up a sport, lead a healthier lifestyle or socialise more, you’re in luck as Badgers Ladies’ Hockey Club, based in Brockworth, could well be the place for you.

“We formed in around 1995 so we’re a fairly young club in the area amongst quite a few bigger clubs,” said Tracey Newman, who’s been captain for five years.

“We have one team made up of players of different ages and abilities. This includes a lot of mums.

“We play in Severn Division 1 for the West Clubs Women’s Hockey League and have around 22 members.

“We’re a very friendly and social club. We’re a fairly competitive team but we’re more about enjoying playing the game.

“We always like to win if we can though!”

As for their New Year’s resolutions, the club are determined to succeed.

After a wobbly start to the season, they’re now looking to improve their position. And what better time to do this than January?

“We want to creep up the league table and aim to be in the middle by the end of the season,” said Tracey.

“If we can recruit more players, then this should help support our goal.

“We have had a large intake of new players over the last few years, spurred on by the success of our ladies during the Olympics.”

The girls winning gold has certainly helped the Badgers create a feel-good feeling within the club.

“The Olympics were a great inspiration, and being a mum of two I felt like I needed to do more for myself,” said one of the new players, Jenny Wilson-Copp.

“I have never been someone to go to the gym – that’s just not for me.

“Badgers are a small club which has been very beneficial, there is lots of laughter and banter but beyond that I get to play with some great players and learn a lot.

“I still have a long way to go but it’s fun and gives me time for myself. I would encourage everyone to give it a go.”

The club aren’t only focused on sporting ability though – they provide plenty of opportunities to be social.

“We had a quiz night in December which helped raise over a thousand pounds for a much-needed goal keepers kit,” said Tracey.

“It was attended by about 90 people. It was so successful and enjoyed by everyone that we hope to run another one this year.

“We also had a Christmas meal out as a club and will be having an end of season presentation evening in May.”

The overall feel-good, friendly community makes the club a great place to be a part of.

“We are a family friendly team,” said Tracey.

“It’s nice to have the baby badgers on the side-line during our games, and I am particularly proud that I get to play the game with my daughter Danielle at the weekends.

“It’s really rewarding to see her grow and develop as a player.”

Tracey has plenty of other great things to talk about.

“Some of our best games have been friendly games,” she said.

“One that springs to mind was a game we played last winter in Cheltenham with a small layer of snow on the pitch.

“We were trying to brush the snow off the pitch before the game. As we were playing the ball kept getting bigger and bigger as when it moved it collected more snow on it!

“We have also been on tour to Chester 7’s a couple of times and played some fun games with silly rules before going to the fancy dress party in the evening.”

And it doesn’t stop there.

“I love welcoming back players that have stopped playing for a period of time after having a child; this is something that happens regularly within the club,” said Tracey.

“Winning Severn Division 2 in 2016 and then getting promoted to Division 1 has been another highlight.

“We maintained our place in Division 1 in 2017 after losing a couple of players due to pregnancy. Last time we gained promotion in 2014 we were immediately relegated back to Division 2.”

But what’s the best thing about being a Badger?

“It’s probably the support network,” said Caz Shaw, one of the players.

“We have an outlet at the weekend and can put an arm around each other when we need some advice or just a good hit of a hockey ball.”

Badgers train from 7.30pm to 9pm at Millbrook Academy in Brockworth.

If you are interested in popping along to try it out, then contact Tracey – 07903 289992 or swannyriver@virginmedia.com.