London, UK – 12 Might 2025 – Grays Hockey, the long-lasting model recognized globally for its excellence in hockey tools and innovation, is proud to announce a brand new flagship membership partnership with Wapping Hockey Membership, one in all London’s most inclusive and community-focused hockey golf equipment.
This thrilling collaboration is about greater than efficiency on the pitch – it’s about rising the sport of hockey from the grassroots up. Wapping HC, based mostly in East London, has established itself as a powerhouse of neighborhood engagement, with a long-standing dedication to creating hockey accessible for everybody, no matter background or monetary means.
A Shared Imaginative and prescient for Accessible Hockey
As a part of this new partnership, Grays will present Wapping HC with top-tier equipment and assist because the membership continues to interrupt down boundaries to entry within the sport. Beginning subsequent season, and due to some unbelievable work by the membership’s Sponsorship Secretaries, Wapping can be providing their two junior periods in Tower Hamlets and a brand-new session in Newham, all fully free for younger individuals aged 6-18. It’s a serious step ahead in making hockey extra accessible to the subsequent era throughout East London!Wapping has supplied inexpensive junior hockey since 2016, protecting taking part in prices low and offering free sticks and tools. However going totally free marks a daring, inclusive new chapter.
Along with junior growth, the membership continues to run its year-round, free grownup Again 2 Hockey periods on the John Orwell Centre in Wapping, offering a supportive entry level for individuals who are new to hockey or returning after time away. Sticks and coaching tools are supplied, and there are zero prices concerned, a uncommon discover in London’s sporting panorama.
The membership additionally runs a Metropolis and Wharf company summer season league, the proceeds for which fund its Again 2 Hockey programme guaranteeing it stays free and accessible to all, and participates in various summer season leagues throughout London to maintain gamers engaged year-round.
Championing Variety & Illustration
Wapping fields an unlimited array of groups, together with two masters groups, two combined groups, and quite a few senior and junior squads.
From subsequent season Wapping may have the identical variety of female and male groups, and the membership proudly represents gamers from throughout the globe, a variety of ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, and from throughout the LGBTQ+ neighborhood. Wapping is an lively champion of LGBTQ+ initiatives such because the London Royals’ Trans Sports activities Day and Delight Event, and is vocal on social media in its assist for underrepresented communities.
From free workforce shirts for all members to bursaries and low-income memberships, Wapping’s strategy to inclusivity is complete and unwavering.Supporting the Native Neighborhood
Wapping HC is deeply embedded in East London life, with intensive outreach programmes working in colleges throughout Newham, Tower Hamlets, Southwark and Hackney. The membership helps various initiatives together with Elevating Her Recreation, In2 Hockey and delivers “Intro to Hockey” periods at local people occasions and festivals.Behind the scenes, the membership’s volunteer-powered sponsorship workforce works tirelessly to safe funding and grants to make sure nobody is left on the sidelines.
A Membership on the Rise
Whereas making headlines for its neighborhood work, Wapping has additionally had a standout season on the pitch. The Ladies’s 1st XI made membership historical past by competing within the Nationwide League for the primary time, ending mid-table in a robust debut season. The membership additionally celebrated three senior league titles, together with from their gifted junior boys’ growth workforce, an extra two promotions and their U14 boys took residence the Tier 3 London League cup. The membership additionally began indoor coaching and video games for its juniors due to Head Coach, Matt Bowen.With two official clubhouses (and two unofficial ones!) Wapping is understood for being probably the most social and welcoming golf equipment in London. From health occasions to membership socials, there’s at all times one thing occurring, and everybody’s invited.
“Wapping HC completely represents all the pieces Grays stands for – ardour for the sport, dedication to neighborhood, and breaking down boundaries. Their tireless work in making hockey actually accessible is inspiring, and we’re proud to face alongside them as their official associate.”
Sarah Robertson, Head of Ladies’s Sport & Hockey Enterprise Lead, Grays Hockey
Helen Rogers, Chair of Wapping HC, added:“This partnership with Grays Hockey is a monumental second for us. With their assist, we will proceed to push boundaries, present hockey to much more individuals, and be certain that Wapping is a spot the place everybody feels they belong – on and off the pitch.”
To study extra, go to Wapping Hockey Membership’s web site or observe them on Instagram. Recruitment for the 2025/26 season is now open. Don’t miss your probability to be a part of one of many UK’s most vibrant and welcoming hockey communities.
