Hockey
Hockey in Harrogate
Location: Granby Hockey Centre Ainsty Road Harrogate HG1 4AP – Phone: 01423 565696
Harrogate Hockey Club stands out as a distinguished institution with its exclusive ownership of a state-of-the-art clubhouse and synthetic pitch. The strategic positioning of the clubhouse, providing a panoramic view of the playing area, allows spectators to enjoy matches from the warmth and comfort of the bar, especially during chilly and rainy days.
Hockey Teams
The Club boasts a total of six Men’s and five Ladies teams. The Ladies 1st team competes in the North Division One league, while the remaining teams actively participate in the Yorkshire Hockey leagues. In the Men’s division, the 1st team competes in North Division One, with all other teams thriving in the Yorkshire League. The Club takes pride in its vibrant Junior section, comprising over 170 members aged eight to sixteen, with dedicated teams for both boys and girls under 10, 12, 14, and 16 categories. The players receive top-notch coaching at all levels.
Granby Hockey Centre
The Granby Hockey Centre, the Club’s home since October 1999, is hailed as one of the premier hockey facilities in the United Kingdom. This modern facility encompasses a purpose-built clubhouse featuring a bar area, a functions room, and changing rooms. Additionally, it includes an adjacent all-weather floodlit artificial pitch and a convenient car park. The development of this facility, costing £950,000, was made possible primarily through a National Lottery grant of £752,000.
Senior Hockey
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Facilities Hire
Explore our versatile venue options for hire by visiting our facilities page.
Contact Us
For any inquiries, feel free to reach out by phone to learn more about our club.
Function Room
Situated on the first floor of the clubhouse, our functions room accommodates up to 80 people. This space is utilized for Club social events and by spectators seeking a comfortable vantage point to watch games. The fully equipped facilities, including a kitchen, are also available for private hire, ideal for hosting events such as birthday parties, wedding receptions, and anniversary celebrations.
Facilities Hire
Synthetic Pitch
Adjacent to the clubhouse, our all-weather sand-dressed synthetic pitch, relaid in August 2009, is suitable for eleven and five-a-side football, in addition to hockey. Available for hire by external organizations on most weekday evenings from 5.30pm to 10.30pm, it offers a versatile sporting venue for various activities.
Club History
The Early Years:
In the pre-1949 era, hockey in Harrogate had limited documented records, with J. Waddington noted as playing for Yorkshire in 1927. However, recent discoveries reveal the existence of Men’s and Ladies clubs in Harrogate during the 1913-14 period. Items such as a Fixture Card and a Silver Plated Water Jug, a wedding gift from Harrogate Athenian Ladies H.C to Constance Keysill Savill in 1914, were donated, thanks to the efforts of Helen Gurney. The jug is now proudly displayed in the club’s cabinet in the bar.
Harrogate Men’s Hockey Club resurfaced in the Autumn of 1949, with an inaugural meeting at the Victoria Hotel after an advertisement in the Harrogate Advertiser. The early games took place on The Stray and occasionally at St Aidan’s or near St George’s Cricket Ground.
The Merger:
In 1950/51, a merger occurred between Harrogate and the Air Ministry hockey clubs, welcoming distinguished players like Alan Druett. The Club’s first set of rules was established during the AGM on October 3, 1952. Post-merger, the Club shifted to Knaresborough Cricket Ground, facing challenges with basic facilities like an earth toilet and a single cold tap for washing.
Into the Sixties:
The club faced pitch challenges in the 50s and 60s, moving across various locations. Notable players during this period included Tony Beck, Duncan Jackson, Peter Coulter, and Jim Lapish. The Army Apprentice College became a vital support, offering different playing surfaces.
Plantation Road Pitch:
A significant milestone was the 1963 agreement with Harrogate Borough Council for a 7-year lease on the Plantation Road field at Harlow Hill. Despite initial challenges, the pitch became available in September 1968. Meanwhile, Harrogate Ladies Hockey Club, reformed in 1953, faced early struggles, eventually finding a home at Knaresborough C.C. in 1969.
Dacre Hockey Club:
The pivotal year of 1970 saw the amalgamation of Dacre Hockey Club with Harrogate, bringing in distinguished players like Roger Gill, Charlie Webster, and Dr. T E Crawfurd-Porter. Negotiations with Dr. Crawfurd-Porter led to a lease for the ‘Stables,’ becoming the Club’s headquarters.
The Granby Development:
By 1999, the Club had evolved with modern facilities and its astro-turf pitch at Granby, a result of extensive efforts and collaboration. The development marked a new era, with flourishing Men’s and Ladies teams and a robust Junior section. The Club faced challenges in maintaining competitive teams but adapted to play at a level achievable with club players.
The Future:
The Club’s Development Plan outlines aspirations, including a second pitch, emphasizing the need for a united and supportive Management Committee to achieve these objectives. The commitment and contributions of past committee members, such as Robert Lawson and Derek Mitchell, are acknowledged, laying a strong foundation for the Club’s future.