Alastair Whatley previews an exciting year ahead for one of the borough’s most elite sports clubs

Southgate boast one of top men’s hockey teams in the country (credit SPAction images)

International players at the top of their game, playing one of the fastest games in the world, in the top leagues in the country in the middle of one of London’s best parks? Look no further.

Southgate Hockey Club sits in the middle of Trent Park just ten minutes walk from Oakwood Station, and we are looking forward to one of the biggest seasons in our 138-year history.

Our men’s team were, in the 1970s and 80s, the top club in the country, but in recent years Southgate dropped down a league. It was only the arrival of Trinidadian international Kwan Browne as coach in 2022 that saw the club rise back to the Men’s Premier Division of the English Hockey League (EHL), even attracting GB players and finishing in the top six last year.

This summer saw more plot twists than a Game of Thrones season finale, as Kwan was poached by rival club Holcombe, along with four top players. Step forward Huw Stevens, long-time assistant to Kwan, who comes into the limelight as the youngest coach in the premier division and will be working alongside GB’s most experienced coach of all time, Jason Lee. Combine that with a raft of new signings – from US international and Southgate local Mo Grandi to Scotland international Calum Douglas, and more besides – with a host of Southgate legends such as Rob Gill, Charles Hamilton and captain John Sterlini, and you have the makings of a team which hopes to rival the best the EHL can throw at them. The first game is against Cardiff, in what is set to be a home thriller on Saturday, 21st September.

The women’s side are hoping to gain promotion to the premier division this season (credit Simon Parker/SP Action Images)

Meanwhile, the women’s team, led by coach Andy Richardson and captain Ellie Robinson, were promoted into the first division last year and will look to push on and challenge the top spots and a chance for promotion to the elite Women’s Premier Division. Expect thrilling face-offs against arch rivals Guildford, Slough and Exeter in this highly competitive national league.

Just a few of the women’s players to watch include defender Emma Postings, forward Charlotte Childs, as well as up-and-coming stars of tomorrow Liv Richardson and Sydney Beare, not to mention new Kiwi signing Ella Poole-Crowe

The best thing about watching hockey at Southgate? It’s free! You can watch from a sheltered balcony right next to the best sports bar in North London as one of the most exciting, dangerous and skilful games takes place under your nose. Want to see world-class sport on your doorstep? Come and support your local team and cheer them on during a season to remember.

For more information about Southgate Hockey Club:
Visit southgatehc.org.uk

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