TEMtalk - Sam Arch
In this edition of TEMtalk we chat to lifelong TEM member, Sam Arch. Member of the 2019 PL Reserves Premiership side, now Women's PL Reserves coach for 2021 and all round nice guy!
Occupation: Digital Marketing Coordinator
Hockey position: “Adventurous” Defender
Senior Games played: 137
Favourite food: Anything Italian
Favourite band/singer: Mumford & Sons or the Pierce Brothers
Favourite TV show: More of a movie fan, but I recently re-watched and loved the first season of True Detective
Ideal Holiday: Snow, beach or anything in between
Siblings: 2 older siblings (brother and sister), and 2 younger brothers
Hobbies (other than hockey!): I’d love to be able to say travelling!
How long have you been playing hockey at TEM?
Started under 9s at TEM when I was 6 I believe, so not far off two decades with the club. Yikes!!
What other sports have you played over the years and how did you start playing hockey?
Would say it was a mixture of my older brother and Connor Mathews that got me playing hockey initially, and it has always been my primary sport, but I have attempted tennis, cricket, rowing, and mixed netball in the past.
Who was your favourite juniors coach and why?
I learnt a lot from Noel Mathews in I think it was under 13s or 15s, but most enjoyable year was probably first year of under 17s with Anthony Chadwick, I had a lot of fun that year.
Do you have any special memories from Juniors you’d like to share with us?
Not sure it classifies as “special”… but the most memorable was making the grand final in, I think under 15s, and missing it due to being dragged away on a family holiday to Fiji. If I remember correctly we won in a penalty shootout. Somehow still managed a coaches award that year though!
You were a member of the Premiership winning PL Reserves side in 2019. Was that a great team to be part of that year?
An amazing team to be a part of! I think we struck a really good balance of experience and young exciting players. When we started on a run of wins the enthusiasm and confidence just grew and grew, we went into every game, not cocky, but confident we had everything to win the game. Plenty of leaders in the group meant that we simultaneously made Ben Lord’s job as coach easier and a nightmare I think. Overall, regardless of the title it was an amazing group and a pleasure and privilege to be part of.
What are you looking forward to the most about coaching the PL Reserves this year?
Winning another title! No really it’s mostly getting to work with a very exciting group of hockey players that have some amazing potential. Especially for me having only been to a few sessions so far, what Ross and I have seen already is really exciting. Not just the technical ability, but the attitude being displayed is really impressive across the entire group. Just can’t wait to get the season started.
What would you say is the best part of being a member of TEM (apart from meeting your girlfriend here!) ?
Hahah I’ll make her part of my answer then. The People! Its amazing being part of a community where everyone, from metro players that just want a hit around on the weekend to our superstars in the premier league squads, want to be involved and get to know each other. Having been at the club for the vast majority of my life means the club and its people really does feel like a second home to me.
What is something that people would be surprised to know about you?
The obvious one is that I’m one of 5 siblings, only one other than me has ever played hockey.
If you were left to live on a desert island-what 3 things would you choose to take with you?
A toolbox because it would be handy, my pet beagle Max Gordon for endless entertainment, and a hat because being SunSmart is important!
