Ludlow’s hockey club have been honoured with a top award after a season that saw their young players in record breaking form.
The south Shropshire club has become only the third club in the county – and 13th in the Midlands – to receive the prestigious Hockey Clubs First award.
Jo Duff from England Hockey made the award at the club’s annual presentation night at Craven Arms.
The honour confirmed that the club has gained a seal of approval and demonstrated that they are fit for purpose and adhere to the minimum operating standards (MOS) providing a ‘safe, effective and child friendly’ club environment.
“Again this is a remarkable achievement for such a small club which operates in one of the very few local authorities in England without an astro turf pitch suitable for playing competitive hockey, and draws its players from all over south Shropshire,” added the delighted club spokesman.
“Ludlow are the third club in Shropshire and the 13th in the Midlands to achieve this award.
“It recognises the high standard and dedication of coaches, team managers and supportive parents.”
More than 70 people crowded into the Craven Arms Community Centre to toast some remarkable achievements in the club’s first presentation evening.
All young players who had represented the club in competitive teams were presented with certificates acknowledging their efforts and setting out targets.
Shields and individual certificates were presented to the three junior teams, under-11 and under-13 boys and under-11 girls, who had won the Shropshire mini tournament and were going on to represent Shropshire in the finals for the Midland region.
“This was a remarkable achievement for Ludlow Hockey Club, a feat, which has not been achieved by any other club in Shropshire,” added the spokesman.
“In the only tournament the club did not win, the under-13 girls were narrowly edged out by Shrewsbury High School.”
It has been a season to remember for the club with the senior men making their mark in their first season in the Midlands Bodycraft League division one following a remarkable revival.
REPORT BY JOHN BRIDGWATER