Many thanks to Andy Spragg from Leek Hockey Club for submitting this post! Andy has told us all about Leek Hockey Club's 100th anniversary which raised over £2,400 for Alzheimer's Research! Read all about it below...

This Autumn saw Leek Hockey Club celebrate its Centenary. Leek Hockey Club was formed at a public meeting held at the Labour Church, Overton Bank, Leek, on 25th August, 1922, by a small band of enthusiasts who appointed Mr. Edgar Henshaw as their first chairman, a position he filled with great distinction, also acting very ably as umpire.

Of those who played in the first season, only one or two had previously played hockey, notably Steve Whiting, the first captain, and Harold Manning. In the years up to the war it was often a struggle to keep the Club going, but when Leek High School introduced hockey as a school sport a steady flow of young players came along. In 1951, a second team was formed, followed in 1958 by a third, 1965 a fourth, and five in teams 1975 and up to seven men's teams in the 1980's.

In the year 2001, the recently re-formed Leek Ladies merged with the Club, creating the amazing, successful and sociable Club that we have today. This coincides with the Club enjoying some of its most successful years, consisting of 14 years in National League for the Men 1's, Ladies 1's becoming Midlands Champions, U18 Boys making the finals of the National Cup and our Mixed Team making the semi-finals of the National Cup. Throughout the years many players have gained international recognition, county and masters status. None more honoured than Olympic Gold Medalist Imran Sherwani who played, coached and is a current life member of the Club.

The first pitch was at Big Birchall, to which the Club was to return in later years, but in 1923 a move was made to Beggars Lane, which was to remain the Club's playing headquarters for over twenty-five years, until a change in its ownership led to the Club using the ground at St. Edward's Hospital, Cheddleton. Another enforced move took the Club to its present home at Bridge End, Macclesfield Road, where in the hope that a permanent home had been found at last, a clubhouse was erected, and later a second pitch added. In 1971 the ground was purchased, a gesture of faith in the future of the Club, the Clubhouse itself has seen many many alterations over the years with changing rooms being added and extension to the bar area, and the facilities provided now are worthy tribute to the efforts of successive committees and their Chairpersons.

This brings us to the present day where we find Leek Hockey Club being a very strong club with a membership of over 320 seniors & juniors, we run seven Men's teams and four Ladies teams, junior teams consisting of - U8's, U10's, U12's, U14's, U16's & U18's. We have recently received charitable status and are looking to continue to develop the Club's facilities and develop the sport of hockey.

We held a Centenary Dinner at our grounds where 250 members, ex members and friends enjoyed a fantastic evening, celebrating the Club and its achievements. Many awards were presented on the evening including three life memberships to Pete Cordon, Kate Jones and Jules Brooks for their selfless work and commitment they have given to Leek Hockey Club over numerous years!

Here's to the next 100 years!