Archives: News

It was another action‑packed league weekend for Lions Inline Hockey Club, with both Lions Senior and Lions Black teams taking to the rink and showcasing the depth, resilience, and progress across the club.

Lions Senior – West A/B League Round Robin

The Lions Senior team were in fine form as they battled it out in the West A/B League Round Robin, playing three high‑intensity games and coming away with three well‑earned wins:

Lions 9 – 3 Knights

Lions 15 – 7 Raptors

Lions 8 – 7 Mooseheads – a thrilling, nail‑biting finish sealed with just 3 seconds left on the clock

A perfect day on the scoreboard and a huge statement from the senior squad as they continue to push hard in a highly competitive league

Lions Black – Final North West League Game Day

For Lions Black (pictured above), this weekend marked their final game day of the North West League season — a season that proved challenging both on and off the rink.

Stepping up from West D League to compete at this level was no small task, and league challenges added to the difficulty. Despite this, the team showed incredible commitment, managing to secure a league win and pushing every opponent, keeping scores close in the majority of games.

Although Lions Black will not be returning to this league next season, the group stayed together, pushed themselves, and successfully raised their level to compete in a strong C League environment. The experience gained this season will be invaluable as the team continues to develop.

Looking Ahead

As we leave this weekend behind, attention now turns to another exciting stretch of hockey:

Under‑14s Lion Cubs head into their Nationals Day next Saturday

Lions Senior return for their final North West League game day, pushing hard for a 2nd place finish

Want to Play Inline Hockey?

If you’re looking to play inline hockey yourself — or want to get your children involved — Lions Inline Hockey Club runs five sessions a week:

Monday: Skills Foundations & Skills Development

Thursday: Lions Senior Training

Sunday: Skills Performance & Lions Black Training

For more information, drop us a DM or email info@lionsihc.co.uk.

LionsInlineHockey #LionsIHC #InlineHockeyUK #SeniorInlineHockey #YouthInlineHockey #HockeyFamily #GameDay #WestLeague #NorthWestLeague #RoadToNationals #HockeyDevelopment

As we come to the end of the regular season and move into the playoff period, we’ve taken time to reflect on how much the club has grown over the last 12 months. With that growth has come a wide mix of abilities across our age groups.

From May, as we prepare for next season, we’ll be making some changes to Cubs training by moving away from traditional age‑group sessions and introducing ability‑based sessions. This allows us to coach and challenge every child at the stage they’re currently at in their hockey journey, keeping all players engaged and supported.

One of the biggest positives this season has been having the same bench coaches with each team, helping players and coaches build strong bonds. This will continue next season. Training sessions will be led by James, Doc and Donks, supported by experienced players helping newer Cubs learn the sport and build stronger friendships within the club.

We’re also working towards giving our junior players the chance to compete in a tournament outside the UK, creating memories and experiences that show inline hockey isn’t just for the most experienced players.

Lions have worked hard to grow inline hockey in Manchester while keeping an anyone can play culture. With this new structure, we believe we can keep more children playing from U8s through to U16s, and support progression into senior hockey from D through to A League.

📩 Looking to get your child into inline hockey? Send us a DM or email info@lionsihc.co.uk
🏒 Players from other clubs looking for extra rink time are also very welcome.

#LionsIHC #LionCubs #InlineHockey #YouthHockey #PlayerPathway #GrowingTheGame 🦁🏒

What a way to wrap up our Under 10s league season! Our Lion Cubs showed just how far they’ve come this year, putting in huge performances and picking up a massive win against the team fighting for the top spot in the league. Every single player showed incredible improvement, and we honestly couldn’t be prouder of this group.

The effort from our young Cubs across the game day was outstanding. You could see after the first game just how hard they’d worked – they were more tired than we’ve seen them after any first set of games all season – but they kept digging in, battling for each other, and giving absolutely everything on the rink. Watching their confidence, teamwork, and skills grow week by week has been amazing.

A huge shout‑out once again to Freddie, our brilliant Under 8s netminder, who stepped up for the Under 10s again this weekend. Getting experience playing up an age group is massive, and Freddie did himself proud.
Another special mention to Ellis, who has once again led the way in the Under 10s, just like he did in our Under 8s season – finishing on 20 league points. Outstanding effort and leadership.

🦁 Cubs Player of the Day went to Sebastian, who played in his first-ever inline hockey game – and not only that, he was playing up an age group! He absolutely smashed it, making some huge interceptions, great passes, and contributing every time he stepped onto the rink… plus being a bundle of joy off it too.

🏒 Coaches’ Player of the Day went to Audrey, who completed everything asked of her by the coaches. She worked brilliantly around the goal in attack and was very unlucky not to grab her first goal of the season – it’s coming soon!

This team has one more game day at the UKIHF Junior Nationals, and we can’t wait to see how this group performs on the end‑of‑season showcase. They’ve worked so hard and truly deserve this moment.

If you’d like to get your child into inline hockey, or if they’re looking for more training, drop us a message 💬
We host 5 training sessions a week and can help find the perfect session to support them on their hockey journey.

💙🤍 So proud of every single Lion Cub 🤍💙

#LionCubs #LionsIHC #InlineHockey #JuniorHockey #ProudCoaches #PlayerDevelopment #Teamwork #HockeyFamily 🏒💙🤍

For the whole of March, we’re switching things up at Lions Senior Training!

We’ve decided to pause our usual drills + scrimmage format and instead run a full Open Scrimmage session from start to finish. That means more game time, more touches of the puck, and plenty of fast‑paced hockey.

✅ £5 per player per session
✅ 2 netminders each week
✅ 1.5 hours of non‑stop scrimmage

We’re looking for players who want to jump in, get some good ice time (well… wheels time 😉), and enjoy competitive but friendly hockey — all at a low cost throughout March.

If you’re free, fancy extra game time, or just want to keep sharp, come down and join us!

📩 Drop us a DM
📧 Or email info@lionsihc.co.uk to get involved

#LionsIHC #SeniorHockey #OpenScrimmage #InlineHockey #GameTime #HockeyCommunity #LowCostHockey #MarchScrimmage

Our Under 12s session is the perfect next step for young players who have already grasped the basic skills learned in our Under 8s and Under 10s sessions and are ready to take their inline hockey to the next level.

This session focuses on developing: 🏒 Stronger skating skills
🏒 Puck control and passing
🏒 Shooting technique
🏒 Positioning, teamwork, and game play

✅ Full equipment is required for this session, as players will be working at a higher intensity and learning more advanced hockey skills in a structured environment.

The Under 12s session is designed to prepare players for competitive inline hockey, build confidence, and continue their progression within Lions Inline Hockey Club.

📍 Ardwick Sports Centre
🕖 Mondays | 7:00 – 8:00pm

If your child is ready for the next challenge and loves the game, this is the session for them 🏒💛
Get in touch via DM or email info@lionsihc.co.uk to find out more or to join the squad!

#LionsIHC #Under12sHockey #JuniorHockey #InlineHockey #PlayerDevelopment #FutureLions #UKIHF #YouthHockey #NextLevelHockey

Looking for a fun, friendly way to get your child into hockey? Our Monday Under 8s training session is perfect for all children aged 8 and under, as well as beginners of any ability who want to learn the basics of the sport.

Each session focuses on simple, fun skill-based drills to help children build confidence while learning: 🏒 Basic skating
🏒 Stick handling
🏒 Passing and shooting
🏒 Teamwork and game awareness

No equipment? No problem!
We can provide everything your child needs to get started with basic equipment, so there’s nothing stopping them from giving it a go.

✅ First 2 sessions are FREE
✅ Just £30 per month after that

This session is designed to help our youngest Cubs progress towards playing in the UKIHF Under 8s League, with a clear pathway into our Under 12s training sessions as they grow and develop.

📍 Ardwick Sports Centre
🕕 Mondays | 6:00 – 7:00pm

Come along, have fun, make new friends, and fall in love with hockey 🏒💛
Get in touch via DM or email info@lionsihc.co.uk to find out more or to join the squad!

#LionsIHC #Under8sHockey #BeginnerHockey #KidsSports #InlineHockey #FutureLions #UKIHF #HockeyForKids #TryHockey #GrassrootsHockey

Lions Inline Hockey Club is actively looking for netminders to join our growing club and help support both junior and senior hockey across the North West and the UK.

This season, Lions have been fortunate to have four netminders, ranging in age from 8 years old to players in their 40s. However, due to injuries, work, and personal commitments, we’ve faced increasing difficulty filling the nets across league games and training sessions over the last few months.

💪 Going Above and Beyond

Recently, our Senior netminder James and our Under 14s netminder have been stepping up massively:

• Covering double sessions on Tuesday nights (over 3 hours)
• Still attending their own age‑group sessions on Thursdays and Sundays
• Playing their own game days
• And even helping out two other clubs when needed

That’s a huge workload for just two goalies, and it highlights a bigger issue — this isn’t just a Lions problem. Clubs across the North West and the UK are struggling for netminders, and without them sessions can’t run and the sport can’t grow.

🏒 What We’re Looking For

We’re welcoming:

• Brand‑new netminders who want to try the position
• Returning goalies looking to get back into the sport
• Current goalies wanting extra roller time

You can train with us for one or more of our six weekly sessions, held at:

• Ardwick Sports Centre
• North West Roller Sports Rink

📌 No experience? No problem.
We have full goalie kit available to borrow, making this a perfect opportunity to try the position with no upfront cost.

📅 Training Opportunities

Lions currently run:

• 2 sessions on Mondays
• 1 session on Thursdays
• 2 sessions on Sundays

If you can’t make those days, still get in touch. Other clubs are also looking for help, and we’re more than happy to:

• Match you with sessions that suit your availability
• Put you in touch with the right club, even if that’s not Lions

This is about clubs working together, not competing, to strengthen netminding across the region and beyond.

🌍 Why This Matters

Netminders are vital to inline hockey at every level, from Juniors to Seniors. Right now, goalie numbers are low across the UK, and there has never been a better time to step into one of the most important and rewarding positions in sport.

If you’ve ever thought about playing in goal — now is the time.

📩 Get in Touch

Interested, curious, or just want more information?

👉 Drop us a DM
👉 Or email info@lionsihc.co.uk

Even if you’re not based in the North West, contact us — we’ll do our best to connect you with teams and sessions anywhere in the UK.

Let’s work together to grow the game and support the players who protect the crease 🥅🦁

#LionsIHC #InlineHockeyUK #NetmindersWanted #GoalieLife #HockeyGoalie #RollerHockey #UKIHF #JuniorHockey #SeniorHockey #GrowTheGame #NorthWestHockey #HockeyCommunity

Under 8s & Under 12s Training

Looking for a fun, exciting way for your child to get into Inline Hockey?
Our Lion Cubs Monday Night sessions are the perfect place to start!

📍 Ardwick Sports Centre
🗓 Every Monday Night

⏰ Session Times

• Under 8s: 6:00 – 7:00pm
• Under 12s: 7:00 – 8:00pm

---

🐾 Under 8s – Learning Through Fun

Our Under 8s session is designed for all beginner players, whatever their age or experience.

• Perfect for first‑time players
• Welcoming older beginners who want to learn the basics
• Great for our youngest Cubs (ages 4–6)

Our coaches focus on teaching:

• Skating
• Stick handling
• Movement and positioning

All delivered through fun games and activities, helping children learn:

• How to follow instructions
• How turn‑based drills work
• What to expect on game days

We’re also lucky to have Ellis, one of our experienced Under 8s players, helping our younger Cubs build confidence and understand the basics of the sport.

---

🏒 Under 12s – The Next Step

Our Under 12s session is the next stage of the Lions development pathway.

This group is ideal for:

• Players aged 10–12
• Children with some hockey experience
• Those ready to take the next step in their hockey journey

Training includes:

• More advanced skating
• Improved stick handling
• Small‑area games and drills to build confidence and understanding

---

🎉 Most Important of All… It’s FUN!

Monday nights at Lions are all about: ✅ Learning
✅ Confidence
✅ Making friends
✅ Having fun

If your child has ever wanted to try Inline Hockey, these sessions are a brilliant introduction in a friendly, supportive environment.

---

📩 Want to Know More?

For more information: 👉 Drop us a DM
👉 Or email info@lionsihc.co.uk

Come and see what Lion Cubs is all about 🦁🏒

#LionCubs #LionsIHC #InlineHockey #JuniorHockey #Under8sHockey #Under12sHockey #KidsSports #TryHockey #ArdwickSportsCentre #FunThroughSport #HockeyForAll

📍 Atherton Roller Rink
🗓 Every Sunday
⏰ 7:00 – 8:00pm

Our Under 16s Training Session is a high‑intensity, game‑focused session designed to push players to the next level.

This session is open to:

• Under 16s (ages 14–16)
• Advanced Under 9s to Under 14s players looking to improve their game understanding and compete at a higher level

🔥 What this session is about:

This is all about game understanding, decision‑making, and playing under pressure.

• Under 9s currently taking part in Under 14s league games
• Under 12s & Under 14s playing up to Under 16s
• Under 16s preparing for or already competing in Senior Leagues through Lions Black or Lions Senior teams

Players are pushed to their limits in a challenging but supportive environment that reflects real game situations.

🌍 Open Session – Not Closed

This is not a closed session.
We welcome players from other clubs who want:

• Extra rink time
• A higher‑level challenge
• Help pushing themselves to the next stage of their hockey development

✅ Requirements:

• Under 14s:
  • Must have Under 14s game experience
  • Must be playing at a higher level
• Over 14s:
  • Lower‑level players welcome
  • Must own full equipment
  • Must have basic skating and stick‑handling skills

💷 Costs:

• £30 per month – Training only
• £35 per month – Training + eligibility to join UKIHF League teams

📩 Interested?

If you’re looking to:

• Join our Cubs
• Find a new team
• Or add an extra high‑level Sunday session

👉 Drop us a DM
👉 Or email info@lionsish.co.uk

#LionsIHC #LionsCubs #InlineHockey #UKIHF #Under16Hockey #JuniorHockey #PlayUp #NextLevel #HockeyDevelopment #AthertonRollerRink #InlineHockeyUK

Our Cubs battled their hearts out today, picking up a huge draw against a strong Devils side and an impressive win over Tarantula. Those results helped push the team to 8th out of 11, which is absolutely outstanding when you remember that our average age is just 12.25 and many of our players are still U10s, U12s, or in their first season of league hockey. What a squad!

Against the Devils, the kids were unreal — keeping their box shape in defence, staying disciplined, not diving into tackles, and creating some brilliant chances they were unlucky not to finish.
Then came Tarantula: a tight, gritty game where the Cubs went a goal down… but never stopped believing. They controlled the final 10 minutes, showed huge character, and smashed in three late goals to take the points!

We now move into the league split and can’t wait for the mini‑tournament day against Trixters, Northstars, Tarantula, and Preds. The kids are buzzing and ready to show what they can do.

A massive shoutout to every single player — this weekend was pure teamwork from start to finish. But we still had to pick our award winners:

• Players’ Player: Hallie — an absolute leader on the rink today. Blocking shots, making plays, working tirelessly, and grabbing a well‑deserved goal.
• Coaches’ Player: Toby — nonstop effort, positivity all day long, and a real presence on the rink. Brilliant attitude.

Huge thanks as well to Rhys for stepping in as emergency netminder with Lottie unwell — calm, positive, and slotted straight into the group like he’d always been part of the team. Get well soon, Lottie!

And a special mention to Sav, making her U14s debut and playing up two age groups. She took on every instruction from Coach James, worked hard every shift, and made a fantastic impression.

Lastly, a massive well done to Lucas Roberts, our top points scorer in the Round Robin — 9 points in 10 games (7 goals, 2 assists) while also playing up an age group. Superb!

Thank you to all the kids for their amazing attitudes, and to the parents for braving another icy‑cold rink with smiles on their faces.
We can’t wait for the final game day — bring it on, Cubs!

#LionsIHC #LionCubs #InlineHockeyUK #JuniorHockey #CubsFamily #ProudCoaches #HockeyLife #UKIHF #YoungLions #FutureStars #LetsGoCubs