For volunteer-run sports clubs, managing finances can often feel like a full-time job. For Dereham Hockey Club (DHC), that was certainly the case until they adopted Slate.
Paula Turner, who wears multiple hats as Fixtures Secretary, Pitch Booking Secretary and GMS Club Administrator at DHC, has seen first-hand how the club’s payment processes have evolved over time.
From Cash Chaos to Digital Simplicity
Back in 2018, DHC made the move to Slate under the guidance of a former treasurer. Before that, the club relied on a traditional system of printed envelopes and cash collections managed by team captains.
With 12 teams and large amounts of cash circulating each week, the process quickly became unmanageable.
“It was a nightmare,” Paula recalls. “Trying to track who had paid, handling the cash, banking it. It took up so much volunteer time and there was always uncertainty.”
A Brief Detour then a swift return to Slate
A few years later, the club explored an alternative platform that promised broader functionality. However, the reality didn’t match expectations.
£3,000 outstanding debt last year → £70 this season
“It was difficult to set up teams, add games and manage players,” Paula explains. “The functionality we were promised didn’t really materialise.” After a frustrating experience, Dereham Hockey Club made the decision to return to Slate where things simply worked.
A Fully Integrated System for the 2025/26 season
Fast forward to today, and Slate is now central to the club’s operations. DHC uses the platform to manage:
- Match fees
- Membership payments
- Social event ticket sales
The impact has been significant. At the end of last year, the club was chasing around £3,000 in unpaid fees. This season, that figure has dropped dramatically to just £70 with only three members owing money.
Making Life Easier for Volunteers
One of Slate’s biggest strengths is its ease of use. New members can be added in seconds via email invitation, and once they download the app, they’re ready to go. “It takes half a minute, if that, to add a new player,” says Paula.
Team captains create weekly fixtures, and players pay after matches directly through the app. Built-in reminders and payment tracking give full visibility to club officers, removing the need for awkward follow-ups.
“It’s simple – Slate does it for you.”
The platform also allows flexibility. Captains can quickly adjust fees for players who help organise match teas or offset petrol costs, ensuring everything is still accurately recorded.
Seamless Social Event Management
Slate has also transformed how the club handles social events. Gone are the days of collecting cash or manually tracking attendees. Members can purchase tickets through the app, making payments quick and convenient. “It’s so much easier,” Paula explains. “Members prefer it, and it helps us promote events while keeping a clear record of who’s coming.”
A More Efficient Club
For Dereham Hockey Club, the benefits of Slate have been clear:
- Reduced administrative workload for volunteers
- Improved fee collection and cash flow
- Minimal outstanding debt
- Less time spent chasing payments
Ultimately, Slate has allowed the club to operate more efficiently, freeing up volunteers to focus on hockey and growing the club. “It’s made everything easier,” says Paula. “We wouldn’t ever go back.”
