“There’s a running joke at the club that unless I get injured it’s a bad game,” said Stacey Smith, the captain, secretary and fixtures secretary for Dursley ladies’ hockey club.

“The bruises to my legs are my stand-out injuries. On 27th January this year, I received an almost duplicate injury to one I had last year.”

It’s great that Stacey can see the funny side of things – the jokes certainly make the club, who train at Wotton Sports Centre, seem like it’s a fun place to be and full of light-hearted banter.

“We’ve been running for over 30 years. I’ve been playing for 12 years and have held my roles for three seasons,” said Stacey.

“We have 18 regular players.”

There’s a reason that Stacey has been playing hockey for 12 years.

“I was advised to join a hockey club by my first PE teacher to improve my skill and ability for school matches,” she said.

And it only got better from there.

“I enjoy being part of a team – getting to know the girls and building friendships with them whilst staying fit at the same time.”

Stacey and her team aren’t short of triumphs, either.

“One of my main personal achievements has been bringing together a team from almost nothing and managing to win the league two seasons later,” she said.

“That was last year and has been a highlight for the team. It has never been done before with the club, so to do it with a brand-new team who have barely played longer than two seasons together was incredible.

“My favourite match was the last game we played last season, knowing we had won the league.”

That being said, it’s so important not to get lulled into a false sense of security – continuing to practice, no matter how good you get, is essential.

“It means you continue to improve your skill and fitness level. Watching others and making mistakes helps you to improve,” said Stacey.

If these wise words are taken on board by the team, she should achieve her future aims in no time.

“I hope to continue to grow the team into one that’s strong and competitive, but still approachable. I hope to remain in higher leagues and keep progressing up,” said Stacey.

The players are far from lacking in motivation.

“The team are incredibly willing to learn and adapt. We’re driven and loyal.”

These are certainly admirable personality traits.

If you think that playing hockey with the Dursley ladies would suit you, then don’t hesitate to contact them and give it a go.

Call Stacey on 07934 767027 or email stacey.smith09@bathspa.ac.uk for more information.