US Edition 
Hockey club focus: Bishop's Stortford catches community path with free coaching sessions for primary schools
In our latest grass roots series, we look at Bishop's Stortford Hockey Club as they bid to attract new members, with Cambridge, Chelmsford and London all in close proximity
Why do you love hockey, when did you first get into it?
I started playing hockey at school when I was eight. I felt an immediate connection to it as an alternative to football, which I was fanatical about and played in my spare time. I was very lucky in that we had some excellent hockey teachers at school in the form of Olympian and GB manager Bernie Cotton and current under-16 age group manager Charlie Bannister. Their passion and knowledge really rubbed off on me and I was hooked from then on.
What's great about the set up?
Bishop’s Stortford is a relatively small commuter town on the Herts/Essex border, next door to Stansted Airport. Catchment for hockey players is therefore limited with the bigger towns of Cambridge, Chelmsford and London all in close proximity. This means that the club really has to go out and engage with the local area and schools to find players, as opposed to have players wanting to join all the time. Despite this, we have an incredible 200+ juniors playing regular hockey from the ages of six-16. We also run six mens' teams, four ladies' teams, mixed and vets teams of all ages.
Are there any feisty clubs that make for a good derby clash?
There are always plenty of local derbies in the East leagues, but I’d definitely say the games with Broxbourne tend to have the most ‘edge’ to them! It’s a fierce rivalry on the pitch, but we’re always happy to spend time in each other’s bars after the game. Although we definitely provide the best teas!
Who is the club stalwart?
We’ve got quite a few actually. The two that spring to mind are, Vernon Brown and Ladies' club captain Pippa Bull. Both have played at BSHC for over 25 years and are still playing 1st team hockey as well as for their respective England Masters Teams, with Pippa also being the Captain at England Masters level. I must also give a special mention to John Collins who is our oldest playing member at a sprightly 77 years old.
What's the social side like?
Fantastic! We run regular socials at least once a month and the clubhouse is always busy with people as we share the club with Bishop’s Stortford Cricket, Tennis and Squash clubs. The end of season social and Christmas carvery are always great occasions, but the Chairman’s band night is normally the highlight of the year.
Is there a thriving junior membership?
BSHC junior section is the pride of the club, encouraging players of all ages and abilities to take up the game. The junior section is run by Jemma Smith who has grown it from around 50 children to the 200+ we have now in just a few years. We regularly host and run tournaments for all age groups and Sunday mornings are awash with kids of all ages really enjoying the game.
Are there any festivals that make for a great hockey weekender?
I think the one that stands out is Harleston Magpies tournament over the May bank holiday. It’s a bit of a trek to Norfolk, but the tournament is always really well organised and has the right blend of competition and drinking. The journey back on the minibus stopping at the pubs on the way is also a great tradition.
What else is unusual with your club?
It’s a real family club. Generations of the same families play for the club and pass through the teams. This year alone we have over twenty parent-child combos playing in our teams every week. We’ve not yet had three generations of a family on a pitch at the same time, but it won’t be long!
Sum up the club in six words...
Structured. Organised. Competitive. Inclusive. Ambitious. Lively.
For more information on Bishop's Stortford and free coaching sessions for all primary schools, go to club website.
If you would like your club featured email Rod Gilmour