Welcome to BLWHC! We are one of the biggest (and self-proclaimed best!) clubs at Barts. We're very friendly and are excited to welcome you to our club! BLWHC has 3 teams that gives everyone the chance to access hockey at an appropriate level, whether you're a pro, dabbled in hockey at school or have never picked up a stick before, we've got a spot for you! Come along, give it a go and have some fun - we would love to have you in the club.
Our home pitches are in the Olympic Park from London 2012, which our 3 teams enjoy the high standards of each week. The 1st and 2nd team play in BUCS and LUSL throughout the season while the 3rd team play in LUSL and participate in many friendlies - a perfect start for those getting to grips with the game in a relaxed environment!
In 20/20+1 we as a club had to adapt to the pandemic so while there were times we were unable to train or play, we put our full effort into continuing fitness and socials via zoom. We also joined forces with both BL men's and mixed hockey, with members running 27 miles in 27 days and raising £694 for the charity Mind!
2022/23 The 1s performed at a high level and were able to finish in the middle of the 1A table to maintain their promotion, the 2s progressed to the second round of LUSL cup for the first time, as well as being promoted to 4B, also for the first time! And not to be outdone, the 3s maintained their top of the league streak for the 3rd year in a row! We were nominated for multiple awards including the ASOC cup, which is the most prestigious award up for grabs!
Last year, the 1s continued to perform solidly in their BUCS and LUSL leagues. The 2s had another stunning BUCS season, not losing a match thus qualifying for a promotion! And the 3s continued to develop, with lots of improvement seen in new member who had never tried hockey before. This fabulous year was rounded off with BLWHC becoming Sport Club of the Year at this year's Association awards!
We are so excited to return to the pitch and competing in our matches at a higher level than ever before!
Off the pitch, we have a fantastic social scene with regular socials, dinners, balls and brunches which allow our members to form solid, lasting friendships plus become engaged with all aspects of the student union. We are a strong presence in the union when the whole club meets on a Wednesday night at Tables to celebrate our successes!
As well as this, we also regularly participate in volunteering opportunities - including consent training with local sixth form colleges! Throughout the year we get involved with several campaigns run by the SU and also like to raise funds for RAG.
If you have any questions or want to find out more, don't hesitate to get in touch with us via our social media pages, or our contacts at the bottom of this page!
Taster Sessions
We will be having two taster sessions at the beginning of the year which are open to everyone, a brilliant opportunity to try out hockey! This is by no means a test of ability, but just a chance for you to have a go and see what BLWHC is all about. Come along wearing your sports gear and bring a stick/shinpads if you have them, but don't worry if not as there will be plenty of equipment to borrow. Note that this session is absolutely free and there is no pressure, so give it a go!
Find us at the Whitechapel Fresher's Fayre on Wednesday 20st September to find out more details or send us a message via our socials or the contacts below.
If you are an experienced hockey player please feel free to contact either the Club President or 1st Team captain for information regarding preseason training.
Training
BLWHC are fortunate enough to have the Olympic pitches as our home ground, meaning we have all of our home matches and weekly training there! These sessions are run each week by our 2 fantastic coaches, who tailor each session to improve our skills, fitness and game play.
When: Mondays
Where: Lee Valley Hockey Centre, E20 3AD
Transport: The pitches are a short walk from the nearest tube station Leyton, which is on the central line. Several members of the club also cycle and there is ample safe bike storage. Send us a message if you would like anyone to cycle with!
What to bring: Sports clothes and sticks/shin pads/gum shields if owned, but you can easily borrow a stick for the start of the season if you don't have one yet!
Commitment levels required: University can be a demanding time with exams and deadlines, so 100% attendance is by no means compulsory. It is clear to see that the more you put in the more you get out, in terms of both your fitness and skills but also with the fantastic social side of the club!
Competitions & Leagues
1st Team - BUCS 2B, LUSL Competitive
2nd Team - BUCS 3B, LUSL Intermediate
3rd Team - LUSL Recreational
Match days: Matches occur most Wednesday afternoons, with some Sunday matches too. Dates and times of matches are released by the captains several weeks in advance of the fixture.
BLWHC also takes part in the Women's Hockey United Hospitals Tournament with both the 1st and 2nd teams competing, an exciting time in the season for us!
Socials
At BLWHC we have a solid social calendar, and a strong presence in the Griff where we meet every Wednesday at 7pm for Tables. This where all 3 teams get to come together and celebrate the week's hockey successes! We also have many socials beyond the Griff, in and around London, sometimes with other BL clubs, and we enjoy many key dates such as Christmas Dinner, End of Season dinner and Alumni Day. We have plenty of non-drinking and drinking socials so all are welcome!
How to get involved!
1. Like our Facebook page to keep up to date with us!
2. Follow our social media accounts! Instagram @blwhc // Facebook 'Barts and the London Women's Hockey Club'
3. Come and see us at the Fresher's Fayre on the 20st September in the Griff Inn, Whitechapel. We cannot wait to see you and you can chat through any questions you have for us and get to know us a bit better!
4. Keep your eyes peeled for details of our Taster Sessions, details of which will be released and announced on our Facebook page!
5. Pay your subs online, or at the BLSA Box Office (Whitechapel) or The Hub (Mile End) to become a BLWHC member!
Contact us!
President - Rachel Stredwick (Whatsapp) 07460884830 or womenshockey@bartslondon.com)
1st Team Captain - Iona Boyd
2nd Team Captain - Lauren Bailey
3rd Team Captain - Charisma Srinivasan