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Our History
Our History
Stockton Hockey Club has a proud history stretching back more than a century. Since adopting its current name in 1933, the club has grown from humble beginnings into one of the North East's leading hockey clubs, producing talented players, winning honours at every level and building a reputation for excellence both on and off the pitch.
From its early foundations following the First World War, through periods of growth, success and change, Stockton Hockey Club has always been built on the dedication of its players, volunteers and supporters. Today, the club continues to embrace that same spirit—developing players, competing at a high level and providing a welcoming hockey community for generations to come.
The Early Years
The Early Years
Following the end of the First World War, returning servicemen were keen to re-establish organised sport in Stockton, including hockey. Many of the players who formed the new club had previously represented Stockton Brunswick, which was affiliated with Durham County Hockey Association. These foundations led to the formation of the club we know today.
By the late 1930s, Stockton was already competing against some of the region's strongest sides, including Billingham, Norton, Sunderland, West Hartlepool, Bishop Auckland, Bede College and the Royal Signals. The outbreak of the Second World War interrupted the club's progress, with many members once again serving in the armed forces while continuing to play hockey whenever opportunities arose.
Rebuilding After the War
Rebuilding After the War
The club was revived in 1946, when Horace Gale recruited new members and organised matches on Preston Cricket Field. Stockton moved to its new home in 1950, and under the leadership of Presidents Horace Gale and later A. Austin, the club steadily rebuilt.
The 1950s were challenging years. Membership remained modest, with just 32 members recorded in the 1958-59 season, but the commitment of volunteers such as Michael Corner and Ken Ions ensured the club survived and continued to grow. During this period, the club fielded two men's teams, and the opening of the pavilion bar helped create the social atmosphere that became such an important part of club life.
Sunday hockey was introduced in the late 1950s, providing even more opportunities for members to play and strengthening the club's growing community.
Growth Through the 1960s and 1970s
Growth Through the 1960s and 1970s
As membership increased, so did the number of teams.
The club proudly entered a third team in the 1962-63 season, followed by a fourth team in 1971-72 and a fifth team in 1976-77, reflecting the growing popularity of hockey across Stockton.
These decades also saw memorable achievements on the pitch. The second team enjoyed an outstanding season, winning 20 of 28 matches and scoring 100 goals, while the first team recorded notable victories against established clubs including York. Around this time, several players also joined from neighbouring Norton, helping strengthen the club further.
Beyond league hockey, Stockton developed a thriving social calendar, with Easter tours to Blackpool becoming a much-loved tradition organised by club stalwart Wally Brown and the club's "Ancients".
Success on the Regional Stage
Success on the Regional Stage
The 1970s and 1980s marked the beginning of Stockton's rise as one of the strongest clubs in the North East.
David Yule established the club's indoor hockey programme during the mid-1970s, before Bob Hill took over in the early 1980s and helped develop it into one of the club's strengths.
Representative honours also began to arrive. Toby Blythe earned selection for the England Under-16 squad, while Mark Newbould represented the North at indoor hockey. Phil Ions and Jeff Wood both represented Durham County.
On the team front, Stockton enjoyed considerable success, winning the Durham County Cup in 1988 and 1989, while the second team lifted their own County Cup titles in 1989, 1992 and 1995.
The Northern League Era
The Northern League Era
The introduction of the Northern League in 1990 brought a new level of competition. Stockton quickly established themselves among the region's leading clubs, reaching Division One in 1994-95 before settling as a strong Division Two East side during a period of rebuilding.
Success was not limited to the first team. The second team established themselves in North East Division One, while the third team, captained by Steve Lowe, earned promotion in the 2000-01 season.
During this period, Stockton also enjoyed success in league competitions, cup competitions and national hockey, reaching the last 32 nationally while collecting numerous league titles and representative honours.
A New Home and a New Generation
A New Home and a New Generation
The next major chapter in the club's history began in 2004, when Stockton Hockey Club moved to its current home at Egglescliffe School. The move provided the club with an excellent all-weather facility and laid the foundations for the sustained growth that has followed.
A huge amount of credit belongs to Gary Ferguson, whose work in developing strong relationships with both Egglescliffe School and Yarm School has transformed junior hockey in the area. These partnerships have created a thriving pathway from school hockey into club hockey, resulting in a significant increase in junior membership and establishing Stockton as one of the leading junior development clubs in the North East.
Over the last 15 years, both Egglescliffe School and Yarm School have enjoyed outstanding success in national indoor competitions, with teams regularly reaching national finals featuring a large number of Stockton Hockey Club players. Many of these juniors have progressed through the club's pathway into senior hockey, representing Stockton's Men's and Ladies' teams, while others have gone on to achieve regional honours and England age-group selection.
The club has also continued to grow the women's section. Established in the early 2000s, the Ladies' section has developed significantly and will reach another important milestone in the 2026/27 season, when Stockton will proudly field two women's teams for the first time.
On the pitch, the Men's 1st XI has continued to compete at the highest regional level, establishing itself as one of the strongest sides in the area. Over the last decade, Stockton has consistently competed in the Yorkshire & North East Premier Division and has narrowly missed promotion into the National Leagues in each of the last two seasons.
A Tradition That Continues Today
A Tradition That Continues Today
More than 100 years after hockey first returned to Stockton following the First World War, the club continues to thrive.
Generations of volunteers, players, coaches and supporters have built a club that values competitive hockey, player development and a welcoming community in equal measure.
Today, Stockton Hockey Club remains proud of its history while continuing to look forward. With a thriving junior section, growing men's and women's teams, experienced coaches and volunteers, and a proud tradition of developing home-grown talent, the club continues to provide opportunities for players of all ages and abilities.
The same ambition that has driven Stockton Hockey Club for more than a century remains today: to develop players, compete at the highest level possible and continue building a club that future generations can be proud to be part of.
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