KUALA LUMPUR Sikh Sports and Recreation Club (KLSSRC), who will be competing in their second Junior Hockey League (JHL) next month, aim to be among the top two in Group B in Division Two.
They played their final friendly match against Kuala Lumpur City Hall today, and it was watched by their president Datuk Baldev Singh.
The team are coached by former national players Baljit Singh Charun and Inspector Kelvinder Singh.
However, KLSSRC are short on funds and are appealing for donations to cover the total cost of about RM40,000.
"We have about half the amount right now, and would like to appeal to sponsors and well wishers to contribute towards our goal of developing youth hockey in the country," said Baljit who is also assisting the national juniors for the Junior World Cup in December.
KLSSRC have an average age of 16, and only four players from last season are still available due to age restrictions.
One of them is Jaideep Ryan Singh, 16. "I played for KLSSRC last year when it was an under-21 tournament (this season it's under-19). It was tough for me to adapt. But this season I am a much more confident player, thanks to the club's belief in youth like me."
KLSSRC give preference to Sikhs, but also have a healthy mix of players from other backgrounds this season.
"When we started training last month, the new players in the team barely knew what to do, but they have improved much since, and I believe the JHL will give them a good exposure to become better players," said Baljit.
KLSSCR will play against Paya Rumput HC, SMIDIN-MSNT, Franciscan HC and SSN Predators at the Bukit Serindit Stadium in Melaka.
Donations to the team can be credited to Kelab Sukan dan Rekreasi Sikh Kuala Lumpur, Maybank account 512334325524.