Surbiton Spotlight:
Barney Christopher (Men’s Originals)
By Ollie Fitch
Ollie Fitch interviews Barney Christopher, captain of the newly named Men's Originals...
What club did you start out at?
I grew up in Guernsey and played for my school year groups, 2nd and 1st XIs, then first played adult hockey for The Generals, a team in Guernsey's second league hockey.
How long have you been at Surbiton for?
I've played at Surbiton since I was 18 when I arrived at SHC on my first day at Kingston University. Aside from two seasons I spent abroad, I’ve played the other 10 years for various Surbiton teams.
Why did you join Surbiton?
It is one of the biggest clubs in the UK and is next to the university I wanted to join in leafy Surrey. I wanted to play, coach, watch premier league hockey, and work in the bar and Surbiton fit the bill!
What is your favourite aspect of the club?
The community around all teams and depth of the club. You can come down on any Saturday in the season and see friends from all over the club playing and socialising
How important are the junior players to adults teams?
As someone who started playing in an adult team as a 14/15 year old, it was hugely important for me to play outside of school and with adults. The juniors are very important to the squads to provide the team with speed and skills, but adult hockey also provides the juniors with experience and game knowledge from adult players.
What are your main goals for this year?
Promotion and/or winning the league! We had a tough season last year and find ourselves in a weaker league with a stronger team so the goal is first place this year.
Describe your team to an outsider?
We're the highest playing social side. We are a good group of friends that enjoy a decent standard of hockey and socialising as a group after matches rather than performance focused as the teams above are.
What is the most important part of a matchday for you?
The team debrief after the match. It's a great opportunity to review the game technically but also bond as a team over the good, the bad, and the hilarious moments on pitch.
How would you describe SHC in three words?
Community, Diversity, Home
