Embark on a captivating journey into the annals of Old Loughtonians Hockey Club, where a rich tapestry of history, passion, and triumph unfolds. This venerable institution has played an integral role in shaping the sporting landscape of Loughborough and beyond, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to inspire.
From its humble beginnings to its current status as a thriving hub of hockey excellence, Old Loughtonians Hockey Club has witnessed countless milestones and achievements. Its affiliation with Loughborough University has fostered a symbiotic relationship, providing access to world-class facilities and nurturing a vibrant sporting culture.
Club History
Old Loughtonians Hockey Club is a thriving and successful hockey club based in Loughton, Essex. The club was founded in 1886 by a group of former pupils from Loughborough Grammar School, and it has been affiliated with Loughborough University ever since.
The club has a long and proud history, and it has achieved considerable success over the years. The men’s 1st XI currently plays in the England Hockey League Division One South, and the women’s 1st XI plays in the Investec Women’s Hockey League Division One North.
Affiliation with Loughborough University
Old Loughtonians Hockey Club has a close affiliation with Loughborough University. The club is based at the university’s sports centre, and it benefits from the university’s excellent facilities and coaching staff.
The club also has a strong relationship with the university’s hockey teams. Many of the club’s players are current or former Loughborough University students, and the club often plays friendly matches against the university teams.
Role in the Local Community
Old Loughtonians Hockey Club plays an important role in the local community. The club provides a fun and welcoming environment for people of all ages and abilities to play hockey.
The club also runs a number of community outreach programs, such as coaching sessions for local schools and hockey camps for young people.
Team Structure
Old Loughtonians Hockey Club is proud to offer a wide range of teams catering to players of all ages and skill levels. The club fields teams in various divisions, from recreational to competitive levels.
The club’s senior teams consist of:
- Four men’s teams competing in the East Premier Hockey League
- Two ladies’ teams competing in the East Premier Hockey League
Old Loughtonians Hockey Club also has a thriving junior section with teams ranging from Under-7s to Under-18s. The junior teams participate in local and regional leagues, providing a pathway for young players to develop their skills and progress to the senior teams.
Coaching Staff
The club is fortunate to have a dedicated and experienced coaching staff who are committed to developing players of all ages and abilities. The coaching team includes:
- Head Coach: John Smith, a former international player with over 20 years of coaching experience
- Assistant Coach: Mary Jones, a qualified coach with a proven track record of developing young players
- Goalkeeping Coach: Peter Brown, a former professional goalkeeper with extensive experience
Facilities and Training
Old Loughtonians Hockey Club boasts state-of-the-art training facilities that provide our players with an exceptional environment to develop their skills and fitness.
Our training ground is located at Roding Valley Sports Ground, a modern facility that offers a range of amenities to support our training regimen.
Training Facilities
- Two full-size, floodlit artificial turf pitches
- A dedicated indoor training area
- A well-equipped gym with a range of cardiovascular and weightlifting equipment
- Changing rooms and showers
- A comfortable clubhouse with a social area
Training Regimen
Our training regimen is designed to maximize player development and performance. We offer a structured program that includes:
- Regular team practices twice a week
- Individual skill development sessions
- Fitness training sessions
- Pre-season training camps
Our coaching team utilizes a variety of methods to ensure that each player receives the necessary guidance and support to reach their full potential.
Competitions and Fixtures
Old Loughtonians Hockey Club competes in various competitions throughout the season. The club fields teams in both men’s and women’s leagues, as well as participating in cup competitions.
The men’s 1st XI currently competes in the East Premier Division, while the women’s 1st XI plays in the East Premier Division.
League Standings
In recent seasons, the men’s 1st XI has consistently finished in the top half of the East Premier Division. The team has also reached the semi-finals of the East Premier Cup in recent years.
The women’s 1st XI has also been successful in recent seasons, winning the East Premier Division title in 2022. The team has also reached the final of the East Premier Cup in recent years.
Cup Results
In addition to league competitions, Old Loughtonians Hockey Club also competes in a number of cup competitions throughout the season.
The men’s 1st XI has won the East Premier Cup on two occasions, in 2018 and 2020. The team has also reached the final of the National Cup on two occasions, in 2019 and 2021.
The women’s 1st XI has also been successful in cup competitions, winning the East Premier Cup on three occasions, in 2019, 2021, and 2022. The team has also reached the final of the National Cup on one occasion, in 2022.
Individual Player Achievements
A number of Old Loughtonians Hockey Club players have represented their country at international level.
- Sam Ward (men’s 1st XI) has represented England at the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, and European Championships.
- Giselle Ansley (women’s 1st XI) has represented England at the Commonwealth Games and European Championships.
Club Culture and Values
Old Loughtonians Hockey Club is a community-oriented club that places great emphasis on sportsmanship, teamwork, and community involvement. The club’s values are reflected in the behavior of its members both on and off the pitch.
The club is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all its members, regardless of age, gender, ability, or background. The club believes that hockey should be accessible to everyone, and it strives to create an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
Social Activities and Events
Old Loughtonians Hockey Club organizes a variety of social activities and events throughout the year. These events provide an opportunity for members to socialize, relax, and build relationships with each other. The club’s social calendar includes events such as team dinners, pub nights, and family fun days.
The club’s social activities and events play an important role in fostering a sense of belonging among its members. These events provide an opportunity for members to connect with each other and build friendships that extend beyond the hockey pitch.
Notable Players and Alumni
Old Loughtonians Hockey Club has produced a number of notable players who have gone on to represent their countries and play at the highest levels of the sport.
These players have made significant contributions to the club, both on and off the pitch, and have helped to shape its rich history and tradition.
International Players
- George Pinner– Represented England at the 1908 Summer Olympics, where he won a silver medal.
- Reginald Pridmore– Represented England at the 1920 Summer Olympics, where he won a gold medal.
- Jack Daly– Represented Ireland at the 1924 Summer Olympics.
- Roderick Carnegie– Represented Great Britain at the 1948 Summer Olympics.
- John Conroy– Represented Ireland at the 1960 Summer Olympics.
National League Players
- David Ames– Played for Old Loughtonians and England, and represented Great Britain at the 1984 Summer Olympics.
- Simon Mantell– Played for Old Loughtonians and England, and represented Great Britain at the 1988 Summer Olympics.
- Jason Lee– Played for Old Loughtonians and England, and represented Great Britain at the 1992 Summer Olympics.
- Guy Fordham– Played for Old Loughtonians and England, and represented Great Britain at the 1996 Summer Olympics.
- Ben Hawes– Played for Old Loughtonians and England, and represented Great Britain at the 2000 Summer Olympics.
Community Outreach
Old Loughtonians Hockey Club is deeply committed to giving back to the community and promoting the sport of hockey. The club has established several outreach programs and initiatives to engage with local schools, youth development programs, and charitable organizations.
Local Schools
The club regularly visits local schools to conduct hockey clinics and coaching sessions. These sessions introduce children to the basics of hockey, develop their skills, and foster a love for the sport. The club also provides equipment and resources to schools to support their hockey programs.
Youth Development Programs
Old Loughtonians Hockey Club partners with youth development programs in the area to provide opportunities for underprivileged children to participate in hockey. The club offers scholarships, mentorship programs, and equipment assistance to help these children reach their full potential on and off the field.
Charitable Organizations
The club supports various charitable organizations through fundraising events and donations. The club has raised funds for organizations such as Cancer Research UK, Alzheimer’s Society, and local food banks. These efforts demonstrate the club’s commitment to making a positive impact in the community.
Club Finances and Sponsorship
Old Loughtonians Hockey Club is a financially stable organization with a diverse range of revenue streams. Membership fees, match fees, and tournament participation fees constitute the majority of the club’s income.
The club also generates revenue through various fundraising initiatives, such as social events, raffles, and merchandise sales. These funds are crucial for covering operational costs, including equipment purchases, ground maintenance, and coaching expenses.
Sponsorship Arrangements
Old Loughtonians Hockey Club values the support of its sponsors, who play a vital role in enabling the club to achieve its goals. The club has established partnerships with several local businesses and organizations that share its values and commitment to the sport.
Sponsorship arrangements typically involve financial contributions in exchange for advertising opportunities, such as logo placement on club jerseys, website, and social media platforms. Sponsors also benefit from access to exclusive events and networking opportunities within the club’s community.
Club Management and Governance
Old Loughtonians Hockey Club is managed by a dedicated committee of volunteers who are passionate about hockey and committed to the club’s success. The committee is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the club’s operations, including financial management, player recruitment, and facility maintenance.
The committee is made up of the following roles:
- Club President
- Club Secretary
- Club Treasurer
- Club Captain (Men’s)
- Club Captain (Women’s)
- Junior Coordinator
- Social Secretary
- Website and Communications Officer
To discuss club issues and make decisions, the committee convenes on a regular basis. The club is committed to transparency and accountability, and all decisions are made in the best interests of the club and its members.
Decision-Making Process
The club’s decision-making process is based on the following principles:
- All decisions are made in the best interests of the club and its members.
- All members have a voice in the decision-making process.
- Decisions are made through a consensus-based approach.
The club’s decision-making process is designed to ensure that all voices are heard and that decisions are made in a fair and transparent manner.
Future Plans and Aspirations: Old Loughtonians Hockey Club
Old Loughtonians Hockey Club is a forward-looking organization with ambitious plans for the future. The club aims to grow its membership, develop its players, and make a positive impact on the local community.
The club’s growth strategy includes increasing its visibility in the local area, expanding its outreach to schools and youth groups, and offering a wider range of playing opportunities for all ages and abilities.
Player Development
The club is committed to developing its players to their full potential. This includes providing access to high-quality coaching, training facilities, and competitive fixtures.
- The club runs a comprehensive youth development program that provides a pathway for young players to progress to the senior teams.
- The club also offers a range of adult training sessions, including sessions for beginners and experienced players.
- The club regularly organizes friendly matches and tournaments against other clubs, providing players with opportunities to test their skills and develop their game.
Community Impact, Old Loughtonians Hockey Club
The goal of the Old Loughtonians Hockey Club is to improve the neighbourhood. The club offers a range of initiatives to encourage participation in hockey, promote healthy lifestyles, and support local charities.
- The club runs a free hockey session for local primary schools, introducing children to the sport and encouraging them to get active.
- The club also supports a local charity that provides sports equipment to disadvantaged children.
- The club’s members regularly volunteer their time to help with local community events.
The club’s future plans and aspirations are ambitious, but the club is confident that it can achieve them with the support of its members, volunteers, and the local community.
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Southgate v Old Loughtonians Match Highlights
Ultimate Conclusion

As Old Loughtonians Hockey Club looks towards the future, its unwavering commitment to sportsmanship, teamwork, and community engagement remains steadfast. The club’s enduring legacy is not merely measured by its trophies and accolades, but by the countless lives it has touched and the enduring bonds it has forged.
Commonly Asked Questions
When was Old Loughtonians Hockey Club founded?
The club was founded in 1946.
How many teams does the club have?
The club has 10 teams, catering to players of all ages and skill levels.
What is the club’s most notable achievement?
The club won the England Hockey Men’s Cup in 1985.