The event was attended by Katherine Sears (Club Chair), Richard May (Treasurer and Chair of Academy), Mandy Haskins (Fixtures Secretary), Rachel May (Communications Officer) and Tim Sears (Safeguarding Officer).

Katherine said: "We're so proud not only to be nominated for Emerging Club of the Year but also to win; it’s amazing. This award is for every single one of our members. They have been fantastic: from supporting us, to umpiring us and playing. It's been an absolutely fantastic season. Super chuffed!"

The evening was hosted by Simon Mason, former GB goalkeeper, who was also able to join us at our table at one point during the evening. Other current and former international hockey players were in attendance and we were also lucky to be joined at our table by Alex Danson-Bennett, former England and GB captain, Olympic gold medal winner at Rio, and currently England Hockey President.

Photographs from the evening are available here.

There were many awards throughout the evening including Performance Players (junior and senior), Hockey Maker, Coach, Rising Star, Diversity & Inclusion, Area/County Volunteer, Unsung Hero and Lifetime Achievement. Then came the final four awards: Men's Team, Women's Team, Emerging Club and Club of the Year. Keynsham was shortlisted in the penultimate award and as it got closer, everyone round the table quietened slightly in nervous anticipation of the announcement.

The five shortlisted clubs were: Brighton Rogues Hockey Collective, Crowborough Hockey Club, Hawks Hockey Club, Old Haberdasher's Hockey Club and Keynsham Hockey Club. The names were read out and then the winner was announced: Keensham (mispronounced). We all looked at each other in incredulity - did she (kind of) say Keynsham?" The formal club photograph we took earlier this season was on the screens with our name, so we knew for sure and walked up to the stage to accept the award - amazed, broad grins on all our faces.

After being joined on the stage by representatives of the other shortlisted clubs, we were given one final round of applause as we walked off and went to have our official winners' photograph. As we walked through the doors, Alex Danson-Bennett was there to greet us and Alex and Mandy gave each other a massive spontaneous well-done hug. Having had our official photo with Nick Park, England and GB men's defender, we beckoned to Alex to join us and she was more than happy to do so.

We then returned to the hall just in time to see the final award of the night. Our last duty was to join all the winners and runners-up on stage for a huge photo which is available via the above link.