May Newsletter 2025
AISC May Newsletter Update
Welcome, all members, to our latest mid-year update from the club.
Our senior teams are full swing into the season now and working hard, and establishing their presence in their respective grades.
Our premier men’s team have had some close encounters and is stamping their mark on the competition. Some good wins and narrow losses against top-tier sides, but I'm sure the next half of the season will see them on the right side of the ledger.
Massive congratulations go out to Dom Dixon & Benji Culhane, our newly selected Black Sticks, for their upcoming FIH Nations Cup tournament in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, a 15th – 21st June. Dom has been playing in Germany, and Benji has been displaying outstanding performances week in week out, showcasing his speed, skill and tenacity in our Intercity competition.
See Black Sticks Nations Cup match dates below:
· Sunday 15th June 10:00 pm (NZ Time) Black Sticks vs Japan
· Tuesday 17th June 12.00am (NZ Time) Black Sticks vs Malaysia
· Wednesday 18th June 10:00 pm (NZ Time) Black Sticks vs Pakistan
· Friday 20th June TBC – Semi Finals
· Saturday 21st June TBC - Finals
Our teams are gearing up for the upcoming annual NZ Indian Hockey Championship Tournament starting on 31st May – 2nd June in Hamilton.
Our Men’s A & B and our Women’s Team have been training extensively in preparation. Waikato Indian Sports Club are proudly hosting and will be holding a social for players and supporters at the Waikato Indian Hall, Unit 4, 84 Duke Street, on Sunday 1st June from 6.30 with our very own DJ Rick on the decks. Get on down to support our teams if you’re free, any support will be greatly appreciated by the players. I would like to personally thank all our players, management and coaches for their commitment, time, and dedication to these teams.
Recently, Auckland Hockey elected our very own Vinod Patel as an AHA Life member. This is an incredible achievement, and we are so proud of your recognition. Vinod has been a Chairman several times, a board member and club council member spanning from 1991 to earlier this year, where he was recalled as an interim Chairperson to assist with some internal issues. This is a fantastic achievement and the first member of our club to be inducted into the life member status. Vinod, your selfless commitment and dedication are truly remarkable. We are so proud of your achievement!
Well, that’s a wrap for now as we anticipate the upcoming NZIHC Tournament in Hamilton, looking forward to seeing you there!
Raj Pancha
President
NZIHC National Hockey Tournament
The NZIHC Hockey (formerly KBT Tournament) takes place this month in Hamilton, which is hosted by the Waikato Indian Sports Club this year.
We would like to wish all our players all the best in the upcoming tournament over King’s Birthday Weekend and would like to congratulate the following players for being selected to represent our club.
Men’s A Team
Deelan Patel (GK)
Jayden Dahya
Akeel Patel
Keshan Narsai
Jaiden Gosha
Miten Patel
Arjun Pancha
Aarun Patel
Kieran Chhiba
Prashant Patel
Raanik Patel
Jai Fitzwalter
Yash Kushal
Parbh Chahal
Yash Patel
Armani Punga
Head Coach: Stephen Jenness
Assistant Coach: Blair Tarrant
Manager: Deelan Patel
Men’s B Team
Prashant Patel (GK)
Rohan Patel
Ronit Patel
Krrish Patel
Divyesh Patel
Vijay Patel
Amriesh Lala
Vinesh Patel
Dharyian Dayal
Jaishaan Dayal
Aneesh Jeram
Remy Lala
Nikhil Davidson
Nikhil Govind
Jayden Mckenzie
Sanjay Soma
Head Coach: Sanjay Soma
Assistant Coach: Vijay Patel
Manager: Hitesh Patel
Women’s Team
Zeta Pancha (GK)
Alisha Bhana
Chaniqa Pancha
Dhanika Patel
Jenisha Patel
Maiah Rama
Maya Patel
Pritika Patel
Sharnia Dahya
Terensha Fernandes
Yashani Bhana
Priya Kesha
Prashila Puna
Chhaya Naran
Mudraa Patel
Anisha Patel
Head Coach: Raj Pancha
Manager: Prashila Puna
The long-standing tournament has been a great way to get our communities together from all around the country over one weekend. The matches will also be live-streamed for you to watch from the comfort of your home if you are unable to get there. For those who can attend, we have included the weekend’s draw below.
Hockey Update
The hockey season is in motion, and some of our teams have provided a brief update on how their season is tracking along.
Premier Team Report
Our Premier Men’s hockey team is experiencing a season of mixed results and steady growth in 2025. Competing in both the Auckland Hockey Premiership and the AHA-NHHA Inter-City Premier Men’s competitions, the team has shown strong resilience and flashes of quality. In the Auckland Premiership, they currently sit mid-table with two wins, one draw, and two losses, including a dominant 8–1 victory over Western Districts. In the Inter-City competition, they have recorded four wins, one draw, and three losses, highlighted by a thrilling 4–3 win over North Shore United and a 3-0 win over HDF. The team remains competitive and focused.
The squad has been strengthened by the inclusion of New Zealand Black Sticks players Blair Tarrant and Benji Culhane, bringing valuable experience and leadership. New recruits such as Luke Elmes and Oscar Nation have made an immediate impact, and the return of Jacob Smith adds further depth and composure. With a strong mix of returning players and exciting new talent, it’s great to see the Premier Men’s team coming together and building momentum as they aim for a strong finish to the season.
Priya Kanji
Premier Team Manager
Youth Boys Report
Our strong performance at the Festival of Hockey, where we dominated throughout, confirmed what we had already suspected: this group belongs in the Premier grade, not the Championship. The standard of play, intensity, and cohesion shown during the tournament set a clear benchmark for the season ahead.
With two games now completed, there are several key points to reflect on regarding the team’s early-season performance and ongoing challenges. We began the season with a solid 2–1 win over Waitakere, showing great resilience and control throughout the match. This was followed by a tightly contested 0–0 draw with Southern, in which we were defensively disciplined but lacked the clinical edge in the final third to secure the win.
Fitness & Performance
Positively, the boys are in good physical shape. Their fitness levels are high, which has been evident in their work rate and energy levels during matches.
Tactical Overview
From a defensive standpoint, the team has been solid, showing good structure and discipline. This has allowed us to remain competitive across both fixtures so far.
However, we are still looking to improve our attacking output. Scoring goals is an area that needs attention and will be a key focus moving forward.
Outlook
Despite the current challenges, there are plenty of encouraging signs. With more consistent training availability and a sharper edge in front of the goal, the team is well placed to build on a promising start to the season. Ultimately, our focus remains on long-term development. Week by week, we are building not only a competitive side but a group of players capable of performing and thriving at a premier level. The foundations being laid now are essential for the future success of both the individuals and the wider club.
Sanjay Rama, Nilesh Vaidya, And Deepak Lala
Youth Boys Coaching Team
Junior Hockey 2025 Season Report
The 2025 junior hockey season officially kicked off on May 3, 2025, bringing energy, excitement, and growth to our junior hockey community. This season features a diverse lineup of teams and training programs designed to nurture talent and promote enjoyment of the sport at every age group level. Here’s an overview of our ten junior teams.
Teams and Grades Participating This Season
Total Teams: 10
Fun Stick Beginners Teams: 2 teams – AISC Lala & AISC Soma
These teams are designed for newcomers, including those in Year 0, 1, or 2, who are in their first year of playing hockey. They focus on developing basic skills, understanding game flow, and, most importantly, having fun and building friendships.
Advanced Fun Sticks Team: 1 team – AISC Kesry
This team includes Year 2 players with more experience and skills, competing harder and honing advanced techniques. It challenges players to improve while enjoying gameplay. This team plays two six-aside games using an eighth of a field each week.
Mini Sticks: 2 teams – AISC Parbhoo and AISC Pancha
Mini sticks are perfect for the younger players, typically under 8 years old, who are in Year 3 & 4. They help develop coordination and introduce the fundamentals of hockey in a fun, engaging way. They play six-aside, quarter-field games with two scoring goals at each end, so expect to see lots of goals.
Kiwi Sticks: 3 teams – AISC KC Patel, AISC Parbhu & AISC VB Patel
This grade is for our Year 5 & 6 players. The Kiwi Sticks focus on skill-building, team play, and sportsmanship among kids who have been playing for a bit longer, aiming for steady development. These are also six-aside teams that play half-field games.
Kwik Sticks: 2 teams – AISC Keshaw & AISC Kanji
The Kwik Sticks is the highest age group for our Year 7 & 8 juniors, with players focusing on faster gameplay, refined techniques, and strategic/tactical understanding. They prepare players for youth and ultimately senior hockey. These teams play eleven-aside full-field hockey.
Current Achievements & Highlights
Results So Far:
The season has had a fantastic start, with engaging games, skill development, and players demonstrating spirit and sportsmanship.Club Engagement:
Support from players, parents, and spectators has been outstanding. The AISC junior hockey community's enthusiasm is evident, and participation continues to grow.Social media & Updates:
For the latest details on game schedules, players of the day, and results, be sure to check our official social media pages. They are regularly updated with each week’s draws and photos.
Encouragement & Support
We invite all supporters – friends, family, and club members – to get out, watch the games, and cheer on the young athletes. Your encouragement makes a big difference and helps foster a positive environment for skill development, club culture and enjoyment.
Looking Ahead
As the season progresses, expect exciting matches, memorable moments, and further development in players' skills. Our goal is to promote a safe, fun, and competitive environment where every player can thrive and enjoy their hockey journey.
Let's make the 2025 season memorable together!
Sanjay Soma
Hockey Director.
Team Keshaw Report
Team Keshaw 2025 is coached by one of the AISC Premier Players, Coach Rahul. The team is made up of 11 & 12-year-olds, some playing for the first time on a full field. They have all shown a lot of grit, determination and patience for their first round of games. A fantastic effort by them all!
Ella & Anita
Team Keshaw Managers
Cricket Report
The cricket season has come to a close, with the season being a very successful one for our cricket teams. A great way to finish off the season with two of our teams, the AISC Gujarat Hunters and Gujarat Giants, winning their respective championships for their grades. The teams concluded their season at their Cricket Prize Giving last month, where the following players were acknowledged and awarded trophies for their performances.
AISC Cricket Player Of The Year
Nimesh Patel, who scored a record 950 runs for the season.
Gujarat Super King
Best Bowler: Miten Patel
Best Batsman- Mehul Patel
Gujarat Hunters
Best Bowler- Jayrup Patel
Best Batsman-Digesh Bhaga
Best Allrounder-Rutik Patel
Gujarat Giants
Best bowler- Nehal Patel
Best batsman-Yash Patel
Gujarat Warriors
Best Bowler-Neel Patel
Best Batsman-Jimmy Patel
Gujarat Express
Best Bowler-Nishant Patel
Best Batsman-Dharmesh Acharya
If you or anyone you know would like to join our cricket teams for the up and upcoming season, please reach out to us at info@aisc.org.nz.
Dilip Parbhu
Acting Cricket Director.
Strategic Plan Update
A very big thank you to everyone who participated in our survey; your feedback was very valuable to us. We are now in the early stages of working through the data with Sport Auckland and will begin shaping and finalising the new strategic plan.
2025 Hockey Fees Update – These Are Due Now
The Executive Team reviewed and approved the hockey for the 2025 season; these now bring our fees in line with other Auckland Hockey Associations. The Auckland Hockey Association (AHA) increased their fees from 2023 to 2024 by 9%, then from 2024 to 2025 by a further 15%. AHA this season changed their registration fee model from charging solely on a per team basis to also include a per player levy from NZ Hockey. In addition to this, we have also seen increases in turf and gym hire costs, along with all other costs that AISC must cover from players’ fees. Over the past 4 years as an organisation, the club has absorbed these increases from AHA; however, to remain sustainable for our future generations, we have had to pass these increases on. Many Auckland Hockey Clubs are in the same position and are not aware of the full impact on their fees yet. These changes were brought about by levies imposed on AHA by NZ Hockey, therefore outside of their control.
The below fees include AHA, NZ Hockey registration fees and levies, Avondale Turf and Gym hire costs, any goalkeeping equipment, playing shirts and annual team photos.
GRADE 2025 AISC Fees Structure
Premier $565 per player
Prem Reserves $565 per player
Division 1 $520 per player
Divisions 2 - 4 $7,200 fees per team
Youth $345 per player
Kwiksticks 11-a-side $235 per player
Kwiksticks 6-a-side $215 per player
Mini 6-a-side $195 per player
Funsticks 6-a-side $175 per player
All fees are inclusive of GST
The fees are now due. Thank you to those who have made a payment so far. For those who are yet to pay. Please see the details and reference details below on how to make a payment.
AISC Bank Account to direct credit:
Auckland Indian Sports Club (INC) trading as AISC ASB 12 3066 0072350 00
Please enter grade and FULL FIRST and LAST NAMES in the reference fields.
AISC Event Calendar
We would love to see you at some of the upcoming events.
2025 New Zealand Indian Hockey Championship will be hosted by Waikato Indian Sports Club in Hamilton this year from 31st May to 2 June.
2025 AISC Senior Prize Giving – Target date, 13th September 2025 (TBC)
Well, that wraps up our update. Should you have any questions or queries, please feel free to reach out to any of our Executive team or contact us at info@aisc.org.nz
Regards
AISC Executive Team