London, UK – 12 Might 2025 – Grays Hockey, the enduring 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 every of 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, primarily based in East London, has established itself as a powerhouse of group 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 help because the membership continues to interrupt down boundaries to entry within the sport. Beginning subsequent season, and because of some unbelievable work by the membership’s Sponsorship Secretaries, Wapping will probably be providing their two junior classes in Tower Hamlets and a brand-new session in Newham, all utterly free for younger folks aged 6-18. It’s a serious step ahead in making hockey extra accessible to the following technology throughout East London!
Wapping has supplied reasonably priced junior hockey since 2016, retaining enjoying 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 classes 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 offered, 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 making certain it stays free and accessible to all, and participates in numerous summer season leagues throughout London to maintain gamers engaged year-round.
Championing Range & Illustration
Wapping fields an enormous array of groups, together with two masters groups, two blended groups, and quite a few senior and junior squads.
From subsequent season Wapping can 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+ group. 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 help for underrepresented communities.
From free workforce shirts for all members to bursaries and low-income memberships, Wapping’s method 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 faculties throughout Newham, Tower Hamlets, Southwark and Hackney. The membership helps numerous initiatives together with Elevating Her Sport, In2 Hockey and delivers “Intro to Hockey” classes at area 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 group 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 powerful 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 dwelling 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 thought for being one of the social and welcoming golf equipment in London. From health occasions to membership socials, there’s all the time one thing occurring, and everybody’s invited.
“Wapping HC completely represents every little thing Grays stands for – ardour for the sport, dedication to group, 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 help, we will proceed to push boundaries, present hockey to much more folks, and be certain that Wapping is a spot the place everybody feels they belong – on and off the pitch.”
To be taught extra, go to Wapping Hockey Membership’s web site or comply with 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.
