What do the purple tops mean?

What Do The Purple Tops Mean?

Members and supporters may have noticed some familiar faces on match days wearing a purple version of the club match top this season. These players aren’t on the pitch, but they haven’t stepped away from the club either. The purple top is worn by players who are currently injured and unable to play, but who still want to remain visible, connected and involved. It’s a simple signal with an important meaning: injury does not mean absence.

In grassroots sport, injury is often treated as a pause on participation. While physical rehabilitation usually receives structure and attention, the emotional and social impact of being sidelined can easily be overlooked. Recovery, particularly long‑term recovery, can be isolating and mentally draining. Players can feel disconnected from teammates, routines and the identity they’ve built through sport. For clubs, this creates an opportunity to think differently about what inclusion really looks like.

 West Wilts Hockey Club have made sure injured players aren't treated as sidelined or separate from the club. Instead, injury is seen as part of the club journey, with intentional opportunities for players to stay involved and visible. Whether through off‑pitch roles on match days, contributing skills that help the club develop, supporting leadership decisions or staying embedded in team communication, injured members are encouraged to remain active participants in club life if they want to. This approach recognises that players are more than their availability to play, and that recovery does not mean stepping away. By creating space for injured players to contribute in ways that feel meaningful and authentic, West Wilts have ensured that everyone has a continued sense of belonging, purpose and connection, reinforcing a culture where support, inclusion and people always come first.

One player said "The purple top helped make that presence visible. It removed the awkwardness of “not playing” and replaced it with a clear signal that I was still here. It wasn’t about highlighting injury, but about preserving belonging. It showed that you can still contribute, still support the team and still be recognised as part of the club even when you can’t compete."

Recovery tests emotional resilience constantly. Having purpose, visibility and trust during that time can make an enormous difference. As one recovering player put it, “Recovery stripped away the version of me that was happy running around playing hockey, but what West Wilts gave me was purpose. They didn’t just keep me in the loop, they gave me the opportunity to lead, shape ideas and feel valued. When you’re in long‑term recovery, what you need most is to feel like you still matter. My club made sure I still did.”

Supporting injured players isn’t just compassionate, it’s essential for club culture, sustainability and retention. If clubs only value players when they are fit to play, they risk losing them altogether. Injury can easily lead to disengagement and isolation, particularly during long rehabilitation periods. When clubs actively show up for sidelined members, they build loyalty, emotional safety and long‑term connection.

West Wilts Hockey Club’s approach shows that by extending inclusion beyond the pitch, the club doesn’t just retain players, it redefines what participation truly means. The purple top may be a small symbol, but it carries a clear message: you still belong here.