Men's hockey
Ian from Colwyn Bay got into hockey to keep fit and for the social side:
"Hockey's like football - there's eleven players and it's really sociable. The club we visit will lay on some entertainment and it's really good fun.
But hockey's different to football in some ways because there's a lot less criticism of the opposing team, or the umpire. It's essentially a non-contact sport and there's a lot more respect for the referee.
It's also a great game for young people to get involved in - usually because their PE teacher is enthusiastic about it. We have a massive junior section - about 100 turned up for training last week with our fantastic coach, Meryl Roberts, who's won lots of awards.
It's a great sport to get into.
In Wales, hockey is governed by the Welsh Hockey Union - North Region. The first teams usually play in the North West (England) league, and the seconds and thirds in the North Wales league. The ladies teams play in the North Wales Women's League.
All clubs also have youth teams who participate in local, regional and national competitions."
Women's hockey
Women's hockey teams play in the three divisions of the North Wales League, who usually play on Saturdays. The Welsh and North Wales League cups competitions are usually played on Sundays.
Carol Brooks, the coordinator for hockey in North Wales, says:
"The old idea of hockey being a muddy game on grass is gone as it's now a highly skilful game on Astroturf. More and more clubs are seeing the benefit of junior hockey. In the old days you had four main sports in school - hockey, rugby, football, netball. Now children have a taste of different sports, and might only spend about six or eight weeks a year playing hockey.
The beauty of hockey is that it's a game for girls and boys, who play together in the under 12s."
Karen Vaughan Jones from Bangor plays for Pwllheli and loves the game.
"I used to play for the school side, and Pwllheli Hockey Club would send people in to help with training, so me and my friends decided to join the club - that was over 15 years ago!
It's a great way of socialising with the girls and of keeping fit.
I also keep involved because I feel it's a great way of giving something back to the young people of the community. We hold training sessions for young players on Tuesday and Thursday nights and we're always looking for volunteers to help out. You don't have to have any qualifications, you just have to submit to a police check. We'll then provide the necessary training.
If anyone's interested in helping out, you can contact me, Karen Jones, Pwllheli, on 01248 752050, email karenjones@anglesey.gov.uk."
