|
Previously the original Louth Ladies enjoyed many years of success based up on
King Edwards V1 school field, off the Horncastle Road. Unfortunately the
club disbanded in the early 70's, but luckily, was revived a couple of years later.
The Club started its revival on the Louth Sports
Association ground. There are many happy memories of not only dodging the
opposition, but also of dodging the wandering chickens and occasional sheep that
found their way onto the pitch on a competitive Saturday afternoon!
Gradually, with league hockey taking place over 'friendly fixtures' plus
the odd tournament, and the emergence of astro turf, the Club had to change with
the times.
In the early 90's the Club's home ground became
the astro turf at Horncastle, where players trained and played in the newly
formed Lincolnshire Green Structural League, Division II. It wasn't long
before the Club became Division II winners in the 1992/93 season, winning the
Dryden Jewellers Trophy and gaining themselves a place in Division 1.
When Louth Sports Association was successful with
it's bid for Lottery, and other funding, the astro turf was built and the Club,
once again, was based in Louth.
Once established the Club was able to turn it's
attention to trying to encourage some grass root hockey in the town and it's
surrounding area. Regular, weekly, coaching/training sessions were introduced for
anyone from the age of seven upwards.
Not a season has gone by when there has not been
at least one player from the Club who has played representative hockey, whether
it be County, East or even National level.
Since the year 2000 the Club has gone from strength to strength by increasing
their league position each year, culminating in becoming the Green League
Champions for seasons (2003/04 and 2004/05).
|
Betty Harper, a past Capt. and Chairperson of Louth
Ladies, presenting Capt. Maggie Bilcliffe with the Green
League Trophy |
2004/05 - this season saw the introduction of a
second women's team, the beginnings of a men's section. With this came a
change of name from LOUTH LADIES HOCKEY CLUB to that of LOUTH HOCKEY CLUB, to
encompass all who play and train at the Club.
2005/06 - this was Louth's first experience of women's hockey at East level
with the 1st team going into East Women's League Division 2 North. Once there Louth enjoyed the higher level of hockey, although, at times it was an eye
opener, but they have gained from the experience.
2006/07 - the 2nd team proved to be a
worthwhile venture introducing younger players of the Club
into league hockey with varying results.
2007/08 - East Lindsey District
Council took over the reins from the Louth Sports Association running the facility in it's entirety. With this came a totally
rebuilt pavilion and new grass area, which is a tremendous asset.
2008/09 - The Club was very happy to
start using the new facilities of the pavilion and to be
able to offer this facility to visiting teams.
The Mixed team
too has progressed in leaps and bounds, and have been very successful on numerous
occasions against much larger Clubs. They have won the local summer league
twice.
2009/10 - a ladies
3rd team was introduced and they have gone from strength to strength, not only
with their skills but also with their confidence.
Since
their first season in the East league the ladies 1st team have maintained their
place and this year saw the culmination of 38 points with a final, deserved, 4th place
out of 10 teams in the League, the best
yet.
The Junior section of the Club has grown
tremendously, thanks to the never ending support and encouragement of the
volunteer coaches and their helpers.
To mark everyone's effort the Club was
recognised by England Hockey with the ClubFirst award, showing we are a
safe and effective club.
2010/11 - the introduction of
Louth Hockey Club's first ever Men's team, definitely a piece of history!!!
|
