Hailsham Town Council is continuing its campaign to celebrate women’s and girls’ sport across the town by shining a spotlight on the achievements of Hailsham Hockey Club.
As part of the campaign, the Town Council is showcasing the people, teams, volunteers and facilities helping to make women’s and girls’ sport an increasingly important part of community life in Hailsham.
Founded in 1902 and celebrating its 125th anniversary next year, Hailsham Hockey Club has a long-standing history of providing hockey opportunities for people across the town and surrounding areas. Today, the community club has men’s, women’s, mixed and junior sections, welcoming players of all abilities from complete beginners through to experienced players.
The club currently fields two men’s teams, three women’s teams and a development junior side, known as the Millers, with competitive teams across age groups participating in the England Hockey leagues. The club also has a number of qualified coaches and senior umpires and is always keen to hear from people interested in playing, coaching or umpiring.
The club’s women’s section is a particularly important part of its success, with three women’s teams providing opportunities for players at different levels of experience.
Women’s players are welcomed throughout the season, with training sessions designed to accommodate players ranging from those new to hockey through to more experienced players. The club’s inclusive approach means that players can develop their skills, build confidence and enjoy being part of a team, regardless of their previous experience.
Hailsham Hockey Club has also enjoyed significant sporting success in recent seasons, with league growth, youth development and championship achievements highlighting the strength and ambition of the club.
The women’s section celebrates players of all ages and abilities, with members continuing to demonstrate that there is no age limit to achieving at the highest level.
A good example is Julie Abson, goalkeeper for the club’s women’s second team, who recently represented England Over 65s at the Masters World Cup in Belgium. Julie and her England teammates went all the way to the final, where they defeated Australia to be crowned World Champions.
Her achievement is a wonderful reflection of the talent, dedication and enthusiasm within Hailsham Hockey Club’s women’s section, and an inspiring example of how sport can continue to be enjoyed and pursued at every stage of life.
The club’s senior teams continue to compete in the England Hockey South East Leagues, while its women’s teams have established themselves as strong competitors within the regional league structure.
The club’s development has also been supported by investment in local sporting infrastructure.
Training and matches take place at Hailsham Academy on Battle Road, where the club now benefits from a newly resurfaced, competition-quality sand-based artificial grass pitch, alongside upgraded LED floodlights and investment in equipment and other facilities.
The improved facilities provide an important resource not only for Hailsham Hockey Club but for the wider community, helping to ensure that local residents have access to quality facilities where they can participate in sport and physical activity.
Town Mayor, Cllr Chris Bryant, said: “Hailsham Hockey Club is a fantastic example of the breadth and quality of sporting opportunities available in our town. With its long history dating back more than 120 years, the club has continued to evolve and provide opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.”
“I am particularly pleased to see the strength of the women’s section and the opportunities available to girls and women who want to take up hockey, whether they are completely new to the sport or already experienced players.”
“Sport is about so much more than competition. It can help people develop confidence, make new friendships, improve their health and wellbeing and feel part of their local community. Clubs such as Hailsham Hockey Club play a vital role in making that possible.”
“Our campaign is about celebrating those achievements and encouraging more people to discover what is available locally. I hope the spotlight on Hailsham Hockey Club inspires more women and girls to get involved and perhaps give hockey a try.”
Cllr Dave Chapman, Chair of Hailsham Town Council’s Assets Management Committee, added: “The continued development of Hailsham Hockey Club demonstrates what can be achieved when a strong community organisation, dedicated volunteers and good-quality facilities come together.”
“The investment in the pitch and floodlights at Hailsham Academy is particularly welcome, providing the club with a modern facility that supports training, competitive matches and the development of players at all levels.”
“The club’s junior development programme is also hugely important. The Millers provide a pathway for young players to develop their skills and progress into senior hockey, helping to secure the future of the club while giving young people the opportunity to participate in a team sport.”
“We want our local facilities to be used to their full potential, and Hailsham Hockey Club is a great example of how sporting facilities can become a real focus for community activity. We are pleased to be highlighting the club as part of our wider campaign to celebrate women’s and girls’ sport in Hailsham.”
Hailsham Hockey Club welcomes new members throughout the year and offers opportunities for all abilities, from novice to experienced players. The club has both adult and junior sections and competitive teams across different age groups within the England Hockey leagues.
For those considering taking up hockey for the first time, the club encourages prospective players to attend a training session. The first session is free, and the club can provide equipment such as a stick and shin pads for those who need them.
Women’s training currently takes place on Wednesday evenings at Hailsham Academy, with the club welcoming players throughout the season. Junior training also takes place at the Academy, with the club welcoming children from Year 1 upwards.
The club also continues to look for people interested in becoming coaches and umpires, helping to strengthen the wider hockey community in Hailsham.
For further details, visit the Hailsham Hockey Club website.
Terry Hall, COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
Hailsham Town Council, Market Street, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2AE
Telephone: 01323 841702 | Email: terry.hall@hailsham-tc.gov.uk