Story by Eli Haidari

Olympians and legends of the game of hockey will grace the royal grass of Bushy Park for a special commemorative 1871 match in June - with original hook-headed holly, willow sticks and full period dress - to celebrate the birth of the oldest hockey club in the world.

The special weekend festival on June 18th and 19th is open to spectators and will include the historic mixed match in the birthplace of the modern game, followed by a commemorative tree planting on the site of the sport's birth with local dignitaries and representatives from England Hockey. 

Bringing it up to date, an exhibition match will then take place between an Invitational Select XI vs Teddington Men's 1994/95 National League Winning Team at the club's current home at Teddington School on Broom Road.

Guest players will include Captain of the gold medal winning GB Olympics squad from the 1988 Seoul Olympics, Richard Dodds and his teammate Kulbir Singh Bhaura, alongside current Teddington Men's and Ladies 1s players, many of whom are current day internationals.     

Calum Giles, who achieved 143 caps for England and GB with 110 goals enabling him to hold the highest scorer record for over 14 years, will be joined by other Olympians including Teddington Hockey Club's Performance Director Matt Daly as well as Brett Garrard, Jimmy Wallis, Alastair Wilson and Danny Haydon who between them represented GB across Olympics through the 1990s and up to London 2012. 

Club captain, Clare Freer said: "Celebrating 150 years as an amateur sports club is a very significant feat no matter where you are in the world or which sport you play. Teddington Hockey Club has survived two world wars and successfully seen its way through major challenges to the sport's delivery. 

"The transition from grass to Astroturf sadly saw many clubs lost across the country when they struggled to find appropriate pitches near their existing clubhouses. And of course, in more recent times, we have managed to steer ourselves through a global pandemic and come back stronger. We have a truly amazing history as a club, but I also know that with the help of so many wonderful volunteers and sports lovers in our community we will be around to be enjoyed for many more future generations."

The bumper weekend will also see an adult hockey tournament with the other founder members of the Hockey Association - Wimbledon, Surbiton and Richmond as well as a morning of junior hockey followed by a mixed tournament for Teddington adults and Under 14 age groups and above.

Teddington Hockey Club's 150th anniversary celebratios will be inclusive to all with tournaments planned for all age groups.

On the evening of Saturday 18th June, the Club will stage a Gala Dinner at Kempton Park with special guests from the sport and beyond. Tickets are available from the club's website.

The 150th Weekend Festival schedule is as follows:

Saturday 18 June 2022

9.30am to 4.45pm – 150th Festival Tournament Matches

Teddington Hockey Club, Teddington School

Men's and Ladies Tournaments vs Wimbledon, Surbiton and Richmond

Spectators welcome throughout the day.

10.30am - 1871 Commemorative Match & Tree Planting Ceremony 

Teddington Cricket Club, Bushy Park

Spectators welcome.

3.00pm – Exhibition Match

Teddington Hockey Club, Teddington School

Invitational Select XI vs Teddington Men's 1994/95 National League Winning Team

Spectators welcome.

 6.30pm – 150th Anniversary Gala Dinner

Kempton Park Racecourse, Sunbury-on-Thames

Dress code: lounge suits and party dresses with a hint of pink.

Tickets available NOW at £75 and £90 per person.

This event is open to members and guests aged 16 years +

To buy tickets and view further details click HERE

Sunday 19 June 2022

9.30am onwards – 150th Anniversary Junior Hockey

Teddington Hockey Club, Teddington School

Aimed at U10 and U12 age groups

11.30am onwards - 150th 'Intra-Club' Celebration Tournament

Teddington Hockey Club, Teddington School

Mixed teams open to all playing members from U14 upwards and friends of members.