About the Club
Welcome to Sudbury Hockey Club
Founded in 1905, Sudbury Hockey Club is one of the oldest hockey clubs in Suffolk.
At Sudbury Hockey Club we welcome new supporters, spectators and playing members of all ages and abilities! We run Women's, Men's, Men's Vets, Mixed and Junior sides and play League and Friendly games from September to April, with occasional summer fixtures too. There is weekly training and many other social events organised throughout the year.
Please make a selection from the menu for more information or contact contact@shc.org.uk for enquiries.
As Chairman of Sudbury Hockey Club, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you to one of the regions most established and ambitious hockey clubs.
For over 120 years Sudbury Hockey Club has been at the heart of our local sporting community. Throughout our history we have remained committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive environment where players of all ages and abilities can develop their skills, compete and build lifelong friendships through hockey.
Today our club continues to thrive with three Women's teams, four Men's teams and a vibrant Junior section that provides opportunities for young players to learn, develop and enjoy the game. We are particularly proud of the strength of our senior sides with both our Men's and Women's 1st XI competing in Division 1 and continuing to push for greater success in the seasons ahead.
Our home pitch is at Thomas Gainsborough School with whom we have a strong relationship. We actively engage with the school, alongside other local schools and community organisations to promote hockey across the surrounding area and inspire the next generation of players, many of which are now playing at the top level within our club.
At the heart of everything we do is our commitment to building a thriving hockey community. Whether you are an experienced player looking for competitive hockey, a beginner picking up a stick for the first time, a junior player starting your journey or someone returning to the sport after many years away, you will find a warm welcome at Sudbury Hockey Club.
We firmly believe that hockey is a sport for everyone and we take pride in creating an environment where all abilities are valued, supported and encouraged to achieve their personal goals.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about our club. We look forward to welcoming you to Sudbury Hockey Club and sharing the next chapter of our proud history together.
Andy Card - Chairman of SHC 2026/2027
Club History
Sudbury Hockey Club was founded in 1912 in Long Melford. The Club moved its ground to Star Stile at Halstead 4 years later. In 1939 the Club moved to Quay Lane, but not for long, as any playing ambitions were interrupted by the war. The Club disbanded whilst players went off to attend to more serious matters. On successful completion of the war, no Hockey was played in Sudbury for another 10 years, when, in 1955, Lander Steed and Bob Ellison reformed the Club.
Prior to this there was a problem of where to play, as their first choice at Quay Lane was being used by Sudbury Town F.C. However, when the footballers decided to move to the Priory Ground, the Hockey Club were then able to play again at Quay Lane in 1956. Teams played on the grass there, together with gravel pitches at Sudbury and Gt. Cornard Sports Centres in the late 1980's, until the AstroTurf era arrived. In the 1991/92 season, our Mens 1st eleven travelled to Harwich (the nearest AstroTurf) to play their 'home' games whilst the Campaign for a nearer Astro gained momentum; a round trip of 70 miles.
A partnership was formed with Gt Cornard Upper School to fund the building of 'our own' AstroTurf pitch at Gt Cornard Sports Centre. The majority of the cost was met through grants from Suffolk County Council, Babergh District Council, the Sports Council and the Foundation for Sport and the Arts. Local support also came from the Sudbury Common lands Trust not forgetting that Sudbury Hockey Club members raised £10,000 towards the project! It was opened in May 1993.
The Clubhouse at Quay Lane remains the headquarters of the Club and is still a warm and inviting social centre. Up to 1978-79, there was 1 Men’s and 1 Ladies Team 1979-80 - introduction of Men’s 2nds 1981-82 - introduction of Men’s 3rds 1985-86 - introduction of Men’s Veterans 1988-89 - introduction of Ladies 2nds 1992-93 - introduction of Ladies 3rds/Vets 2001-02 - vets withdraw & introduction of Men’s 4ths 2003-04 - withdrawal of Ladies 3rds/Vets 2003-04 - introduction of Ladies Talbots & Ladies Tigers 2004-05 - withdrawal of Ladies Talbots & Ladies Tigers 2004-05 - introduction of Ladies 3rds & Ladies 4ths
Junior coaching began back in the late 1980's which was held on the old grass pitch at Quay Lane every Sunday morning, spearheaded by Mick Bashford. It has been maintained and prioritised by the Club ever since.
Tim Blackburn
We will do our best to get back to you as soon as possible.
