TEDDINGTON HOCKEY CLUB SCHOOLS OUTREACH PROGRAMME DELIVERS SUCCESS AT NATIONAL FINALS
Teddington Hockey Club has just completed the second successful season of its ground-breaking Schools Outreach Programme delivering professional coaching and competitive sport to over 200 children from five state schools.
The 2025 season has just finished with a bang with Grey Court School winning the National State Schools Championships in Nottingham and their U14 boys finishing runners-up in a close-run Final.
The programme managed by Teddington Hockey Club’s Neil Guilder and his team of coaches now provides hockey coaching, equipment, custom designed shirts, and the chance to compete in full scale events to children from both primary and secondary schools across the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames.
The schools include St.Ricards Primary, St.Mary’s Twickenham Primary, Orleans Park School, Teddington School and Grey Court. THC Outreach is sponsored and funded by global technology company, Zoho.
“We are so proud of what the children have achieved this year. This is about access to sport, vital exercise, social connectivity and the numerous values inherent in team spirit. It’s of course great to see them compete at a regional or national level – we took three teams from the programme – Orleans Park, Teddington and Grey Court – to the National State School Finals, but overall, the most rewarding thing we deliver is summed up in one word – FUN,” said Director of Coaching, Neil Guilder.
The programme is continuing to grow as participating schools acknowledge the impact it can have on pupils.
Clare Kemp of Orleans Park School said: “Each week, Teddington Hockey Club provides high-quality coaches who deliver engaging and dynamic after-school hockey sessions. They have become a highlight for our Key Stage 3 students, with consistently high attendance reflecting their enthusiasm and passion for the sport. The expert coaching and structured training have significantly improved our students’ skills, confidence and overall enjoyment of hockey providing outstanding opportunities to learn, compete, and grow.”
Steve Wilmore of Grey Court School said: “The partnership with Teddington has enabled our players to compete at a higher level, fostering teamwork and discipline. With the coaches’ drive and enthusiasm, Teddington’s support has been instrumental in expanding hockey participation within Grey Court, ensuring students of all abilities can engage with the sport and progress in their development.”
Sachin Agrawal, Managing Director, Zoho UK, said: “We believe in investing in our local communities for many reasons, including to help positively impact youth development. As part of this we have supported Teddington Hockey Club for three years and are privileged to be part of the positive impact this project has across local school and neighbourhood communities. Teddington Hockey Club’s commitment and quality offered to young people and their families is commendable and we look forward to continuing to support this growing programme.”
Teddington Hockey Club is the oldest hockey club in the world founded in Bushy Park in 1871. It now has close to 1,000 members of all ages, seven men’s and ladies’ teams and an acclaimed junior section. Last year, it launched Flyerz Hockey, a fun and friendly programme inclusive of all abilities and ages which enables disabled and non-disabled players to play together.
For further information please contact Alan Twigg on 07957 657 556 or on email twiggycomms@gmail.com