History Of The Club

125+ YEARS OF HISTORY

We are a young, vibrant, and growing club with a long and proud history in hockey

135+ YEARS OF HISTORY

We are a young, vibrant, and growing club with a long and proud history in hockey

WOMEN'S CLUB ORIGINS (1890):

The Polytechnic Ladies Hockey Club, affectionately known as "The Poly," was established in 1890, just two years after women were admitted to study at the Polytechnic of Central London. Early records from 1890 describe the club’s enthusiasm for hockey, despite the rough and unstructured
nature of the game at the time. By the early 20th century, the club had gained a reputation for its spirited play and strong camaraderie. The Poly Ladies were among the pioneers of women’s hockey in England, contributing to the sport’s development and popularity.

MEN'S CLUB ORIGINS (1903):

The men's section began as the Polytechnic Hockey Club in October 1903, founded by Major V.R. Hoare and P.A. Baumgartner. Initially based at the Polytechnic Grounds in Wimbledon, the club quickly grew, fielding five teams by 1906. In 1905, the club adopted its iconic dark blue and white
shirts, with white shorts. By 1906, the club moved to Chiswick, benefiting from three high-quality grass pitches and a pavilion. The Club's first international honour was gained in 1911 when Leslie Eedy played for England.

History of PHC Chiswick Hockey Club[1].jpeg

MEN'S CLUB HIGHLIGHTS:

The post World War I period was a difficult time for the Club, with only two teams being fielded in 1919. This gradually increased to 7 by 1930/31 with some high quality talent at the club, including no less than eight players in representative hockey. I. MacEwan and J. Sneddon played for Scotland and Hilton, R. Sneddon, O.W Whitby, Oehlers, Osmand and S.G Burrows played for the County or County 'A' sides. The famous athelete H.M. Abrahams played outside right.

During World War II, the club kept hockey alive by collaborating with Hounslow Hockey Club, maintaining at least one team throughout the war years.

The 1960s and 1970s saw the club thrive, with the First XI achieving a 70% success rate under captain Rad Radford, who was still playing for the Vets in 2003! The club also embraced indoor hockey and participated in the Easter Festival at Weston-Super-Mare for over 50 years.

H.M. Abrahams - Famous athlete

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WOMEN'S CLUB HIGHLIGHTS:

The Poly Ladies were active participants in Middlesex tournaments and leagues. In 1948, the Polytechnic Sports Ground hosted preliminary games for the London Olympics, though women’s hockey was not included in the Olympics until 1980.

During the 1980s, the club introduced league hockey, with the 1st XI winning the Middlesex Hockey Digest League in 1988/89. The 2nd XI also gained promotion to Division 2 in 1989/90.

The Poly Ladies developed a thriving junior section in the early 1990s, with many young players progressing to the 1st XI. The club also supported indoor hockey, competing in the Middlesex Indoor League and South Playoffs in 1988 and 1989.

Touring became a key feature of the club’s culture, with teams traveling to Europe and beyond, showcasing their skills and camaraderie.

History of PHC Chiswick Hockey Club[1]2.jpeg

1990

(Back row) Nina Felton, Sally Windle, Gillian Atkins, Delwyn Richards, Sally Vanderhadden, Debs Robinson.

(Front row) Gilly McWilliam, Irene Cutt, Dawn Glastonbury, Nicki Groom, Audrey Colmack, Brenda Barrett.

NAME CHANGE AND AMALGAMATION:

In 1990, the men’s club changed its name to PHC Chiswick to reflect its local identity rather than its student origins. In 1996, the men’s and women’s clubs officially merged, creating a unified club under the PHC Chiswick banner. This amalgamation strengthened the club’s structure and
community, with the first Chairperson being Jo "Dusty" Miller and the club captains Gurinder Sumra and Nina Hamilton.

FURTHER GROWTH AND INCLUSIVITY:

In 2002, PHC Chiswick merged with Chiswick Ladies Hockey Club to enhance the standard of the women’s section. The club continued to grow, fielding 11 adult teams (6 men’s and 5 women’s), a veterans’ side, and a thriving junior section. The club prides itself on its core values of respect,
resilience, and enjoyment, fostering a welcoming environment for all.

CURRENT ACHIEVEMENTS:

The women’s 1st XI plays in the London Premier Division, and the men’s 1st XI compete in London Division 1. The junior section, known as the "Chiswick Parakeets," continues to thrive, offering training and competitive opportunities for players aged 6-18.

LEGACY AND COMMUNITY

PHC Chiswick has a rich history spanning over 130 years, built on a foundation of community, passion for hockey, and inclusivity. From its early days at the Polytechnic to its current status as a leading hockey club in West London, PHC Chiswick continues to thrive both on and off the pitch.