Jeff Moores, chairman of Ealing Hockey Club, reflects on 10 years of the club.
“My involvement with Hockey in the Borough of Ealing dates back 15 years when I started supporting Ealing’s London Youth Games hockey squads. Back in 2008, many of the children involved played for clubs located in neighbouring boroughs as there was not a club in Ealing itself.
“In 2013, following post 2012 Olympics surge in hockey interest, I founded Ealing Hockey Club whilst continuing to manage Ealing’s LYG teams. Over the past decade Ealing has reached the LYG finals on a number of occasions, and in 2021 Ealing won gold (boys) and silver (girls)
“The archives show that Ealing’s strong hockey pedigree, with its own club for over a century. National Ladies Champions 3 times in the 80’s, the original Ealing HC eventually closed due to a lack of proper facilities.
“After a 30-year gap, (and with invaluable support from St.Benedict’s and St.Augustine’s Priory Schools), I launched Ealing Hockey Club as a junior academy.
“We achieved great success, which led to the launch of an adult section in 2018. The club managed to achieve four adult promotions in its first three adult seasons, with on pitch progress stalling due to the national lockdown. However, during this time, the club continued to engage its members through online workshops and fitness sessions.
“Ealing Hockey Club has made significant strides in the last three seasons with its Goalkeeper Academy, and Talent Pathway programme. Over the next 12 months, working with England Hockey, Ealing HC hopes to attain National Talent Centre accreditation.
“The club has now grown to over 400 members, with two of our junior sides playing in the second-highest league. Over half of our junior’s attend state schools in the borough.
“Last year, the Club also launched a community engagement program, starting with a pilot after-school club at Fielding Primary School. As a result, we aim to extend this program to other primary schools and eventually secondary schools. Please feel free to enquire if your primary school is interested in an after-school hockey club.
“This season, we have added to our coaching team, and are open to new members from the age of 5 to adults. The Club has over 20 junior teams catering to all abilities as well as 3 adult squads.
“Ealing Hockey Club has won several borough awards, including the 2022 Outstanding Contribution to Sports and 2023 Sports Club of the Year. Moreover, our adult and junior volunteers have been awarded Volunteer of the Year on multiple occasions.
“I am particularly proud that the club I launched 10 years ago is now member-owned, volunteer run, and an integral part of the local community. Here’s to the next 10 years.”
