We are very excited to host Hampstead and Westminster Hockey Club for this Friday’s city lunch!
Hampstead Hockey Club was formed on 13th April 1894, as members disaggregated from the local cricket club, seeking a better playing surface because the cricket pitch was continuously waterlogged.
In 1904/05, the 1st XI played its games in Richmond Athletic Ground. It was regarded as a temporary measure though they played there up until the Second World War. Within this time the club went from strength to strength, especially between 1900 and 1913, affectionately known as “The Glory Days”. This was because they had some world class players; A E Stoddart (captain) and Stanley Shoveller (500 club goals) who were the both in the England squad. The team of 1910/11 had no fewer than five English Internationals.
The First World War took a large toll on the club as 6 members didn’t return therefore they couldn’t field a team. The Second World War also meant the club unable to play. It was 1950 before the club was back on its feet and consistently playing at the top level. By the 1955/56 season, the squad was back to full strength as the team included 5 internationals. However, throughout the 1960’s and 1970’s, the men’s first team results were not impressive as they didn’t qualify for the newly formed national league.
Having played at many grounds over the last 30 years, the club changed its name to Hampstead & Westminster as they moved to Paddington Recreation Ground permanently after they laid a artificial surface in 1984. Having played as a mixed team up to this point, the club formed its first women's teams in 1986 and secured rapid promotion through the Middlesex leagues to the South Leagues.
With the women’s team being a success, the men’s hired player coach and Great Britain international Rob Thompson, who managed the team to promotion in 1997. Over the next 2 years the men fought to avoid relegations and they were successful. This was the real start of the club's success and expansion on both the women’s and men’s side. The men’s 1sts won back to back promotions and reached the Premier League in 2001. This lead to the club being attractive for players and resulted in the club having 12 men's teams. The women’s 1sts had some success reaching the cup semi final in 1999 and reaching the final in 2003 but 2006 was their breakthrough year as they won EHL cup.
From 2006, there have been 16 highlights up to the present:
2007 1st XIs: Women - promoted to South Div 1; Men - Soma Singh rejoins and takes over as coach
2010 Todd Williams re appointed Men's 1st XI coach and leads the team to EHA Cup Final.
2011 Men’s 1st XI win Division Two of the National League Indoor Championships
2012 Dan Fox represents Great Britain at the London Olympics
2013 Men's 1st XI are runners up in the EHA Cup Final
2014 Women’s 1st XI contest the EHA Cup Final as a non-National League side..
2015 Ladies' 1st XI win promotion to the National League East Conference. Kwan Browne appointed coach of the Men’s 1st XI
2016 Thea Hitchcock appointed a Manager of the Wales Senior Men’s team.
2017 Men’s 1st XI are fourth in the Premier Division and earn a place in the League Finals
2018 Ladies 1st XI win East Conference. Men’s 1st XI draw 3-3 with Surbiton in the Premier Division League Final, losing a sudden death penalty shoot out. Kate Richardson-Walsh and Sarah Kelleher appointed Ladies' 1st XI Head Coaches
What is the event?
On the 8th of March, Hampstead and Westminster Hockey Club have a social fund raising event which will be held part of their 125th anniversary celebrations. With last years’ success, H&W HC booked it into their social calendar again.
President, Richard Sykes say the funding will go back into the development of the club as it will continue to ensure that they are a top 10 club and be able to attract top talent. Additionally, their priority is to find a secure longer term facility.
Make sure you buy your ticket.
Telephone: 01483 617222 or contact events@snapsponsorship.com
