Gary Stubbings meets Tracy Goodchild who has recently retired from playing for Chelmsford Hockey Club after 26 years.

Chelmsford Hockey Club's Tracy Goodchild has decided to retire from the game after a career that has spanned 26 years with the club.

Tracy, 40, joined Chelmsford when she was 14 and has many happy memories of her time with the club, but now wants to pursue other interests outside the game.

A PE teacher at the William de Ferrers School, where she is also the head of Year 8, Tracy spoke of her decision to let hockey take a 'back seat'.

"I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Chelmsford, and there are many highlights, the main one probably being when I captained the side to victory the Hockey Field Cup (now the Hockey Association Cup) in the mid-1980's.

"Another memorable occasion was when Chelmsford regained promotion to the premier division of the National League two years ago."

Tracy, who lives in Chelmsford, and is a former pupil of Moulsham High School, is an avid theatre-goer and enjoys playing golf.

"I will now have more time to do the things that I couldn't when I was playing hockey, as we had to travel to some far-flung places at weekends.

"However, that is not to say I didn't enjoy my time at Chelmsford. I made many terrific friends and savoured nearly every moment of my playing career -- except for the occasional heavy defeat and the odd relegation!"

She is currently undecided as to whether she will be taking up a coaching role at Chelmsford Hockey Club, but in her profession at William de Ferrers School, the pupils will be getting expert hockey tuition, and some may well go on to represent Chelmsford and be held in the same high esteem as their teacher.

Although no longer actively involved in the club, Tracy admitted that she cannot cut herself off completely.

"After 26 years at the one club, it is in my blood, and I will go along to support the team whenever I can."

Chelmsford Hockey Club's team manager Janet Sutton said: ''I first knew Tracy as a 17-year-old, and she had the promise of being a very good centre forward, but she finished up as an accomplished defender.

''In addition to her playing prowess, Tracy is also a good friend to many at the club, and she knows she is guaranteed a warm welcome whenever she comes to a game''.

A glowing tribute to a person who is among a minority these days - a player who stays loyal to the one club.

Loyal servant: Tracy Goodchild, who has hung up her hockey stick after a long career with Chelmsford Hockey Club.

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