Are you the owner of Old Georgians Hockey Club?
Old Georgians Hockey Club, based in Addlestone, is a thriving sports club with a rich history and a strong presence in the hockey community. Situated at St George's College, the club has been producing top-level hockey players for many years.
The club was founded in 1995 by three Old Georgians, Chris Jansen, Richard Aspinall, and Tim Clark, who were dismayed to see their friends scattered across various hockey clubs. They wanted to create a space where all their fellow hockey players could come together and enjoy the sport. With the ambitious moto of becoming a National League Club by 2001, the Old Georgians Hockey Club was born.
Although the original objective to become a National League Club was not achieved by the set date, the club did accomplish this feat in the 2003 season, joining the National League in Division 2 and winning that division. Led by Iain “Woosie” Turner and Jonny “Stevo” Stephens, the 1st XI performed exceptionally well. In April 2019, the Men's 1s were promoted to the leading League, firmly establishing themselves as one of the top ten teams in the UK.
Peter Jansen, father of Chris, Phil, and Tony, played a significant role in the club's development. He provided the necessary funds to St George's College to build an Astro pitch in 1989. Peter promised to arrange funding for another Astro pitch if the Men's 1s made it to the National League. Although he sadly passed away before seeing the club achieve this milestone, his wife Franoise, along with another sponsor, Old Georgian John Lloyd, honoured his promise and funded nearly half of the additional pitch, resulting in the construction of a state-of-the-art water-based astro in 2006.
In 2001, the club made a pivotal move by starting a Ladies section, with the assistance of Emily and Becky Stather. This not only balanced the club but also brought a sense of calm to the club's social events. With the Men's 1s already in the National League, the club experienced a period of fluctuation and uncertainty. However, in 2009, Noel Doran became the Chairman and the club's primary sponsor, injecting fresh energy and focus into the team.
The new objective became getting the Men's 1s into the National top League while ensuring that all other teams were promoted as well.
To achieve this objective, negative elements were removed, including revamping the youth section and hiring professional coaches. The youth section, known as OGHC Dragons, quickly grew to over 250 players, thanks to the dedicated efforts of Steph Elliott, a former Great Britain player and current premier League player, who took over as the Academy Director in 2015.
In July 2018, the club implemented a plan to reach the leading League, with Chris Jansen joining Noel as a club sponsor. The plan took off when two former Great Britain players, Dan Shingles and Dan Fox, agreed to join the OGHC. With Mike Hughes as the Coach and Director of Hockey, along with Jonny Stephens as the Manager and Thomas Doran as the Captain, the Old Georgians Hockey Club has been steadily climbing the ranks and making a name for themselves in the hockey world.
Joining the Old Georgians Hockey Club means joining a community of passionate hockey players, dedicated coaches, and supportive sponsors. With a focus on growth, achievement, and camaraderie, the club is committed to providing a welcoming and engaging environment for all members. Whether you are a seasoned player or a beginner, the Old Georgians Hockey Club offers opportunities to learn, enjoy, and excel in the sport.
