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Burnt Ash became the 1st club in Kent & London to achieve the England Hockey Clubs 1st Award. The clubs 1st award is an accolade awarded to clubs who are able to demonstrate that an infrastructure within the club is in place that reassures parents of current and prospective junior members that there children are properly protected by the club, that coaching of a high standard is provided and that facilities provided are the very best coupled with the checks and controls parents demand for continued safety. Burnt Ash Hockey Club was voted 2004/5 London Sports Club of the year at the recent annual 'Awards for Achievement in Sport', organised by London Active Partnership. This is the first time that a Bexley-based sports club has won this prestigious award. The club runs seven men's teams, four ladies' teams and has a thriving youth section, which boasts over 120 young people between the ages of five and 16. Burnt Ash HC was nominated for the award by Bexley Council's Leisure Services which recognises the excellent work the club has put into the development of players, coaches, officials and volunteers, as well as implementing national youth sports initiatives. Director of coaching, John Stolworthy, was on hand to receive the award, which was presented by Olympic Rowing medallists, Tim Foster and Guin Batten: "This award demonstrates what an ambitious and progressive club Burnt Ash HC is. It shows our commitment to raising not only the profile of our club but also promoting the sport of hockey across the whole borough." Most recently the club gained accreditation with Access Sport, to increase sports participation opportunities for young people in sports clubs, thereby contributing to improved levels of fitness and well-being in the UK. The Men's 1st XI play in the Kent/Sussex Regional League and the Ladies 1st XI play in the East Women's League Division 1 South. Both teams enjoyed a successful season last year both gaining promotion. Training occurs on two nights each week. The Ladies 1st and 2nd XI squads receive training on a Tuesday night at Hurstmere School under the guidance of ex GB and England International goalkeeper Hilary Rose. On the same night the lower XI's from both Men's and Ladies sections receive there own training from fully qualified club trainers. The Men's 1st and 2nd XI squads receive training on a Wednesday night at Hurstmere School from current South African International Justin King. Under the watchful eye of Director of Coaching John Stolworthy, the development plan is constantly reviewed to ensure continued success on the playing field. Colts training takes place on a Sunday morning utilising both local Astroturf pitches when available and the grass pitches within the club grounds in Bexley.
The club is keen
to promote a friendly and social atmosphere with social events running
throughout the season. Tours are organised on a regular basis to both
national and international destinations.
Burnt Ash Hockey Club was formed in 1919 near Burnt Ash Lane, Lee. The
team consisted mainly of members of Burnt Ash Congregational Church
(destroyed in the war). After the war the Men's section ran two elevens
and an occasional Sunday team.
The Ladies section was formed and became affiliated to the Kent Ladies
Hockey Association in September 1926, running two elevens before the war.
During the war the Ladies did not play but kept their affiliation and
reformed in 1950.
The Club moved to Crescent Farm, Sidcup in 1952 and stayed there until
they took the opportunity to move to Bexley Cricket Club in 1969.
Following this move the name 'Bexley' was incorporated in the Club's name.
In 1991 a new sand-based grass pitch was laid on land purchased jointly by
Burnt Ash and BCC, increasing the number of pitches to three.
As Astroturf surfaces have become more popular and necessary in modern day
hockey, the Club now hires pitches in the area, at the following places:
The introduction of league hockey for the Men's 1st XI started in 1973 and
the Ladies followed in 1981. Where possible all sides are now involved in
League hockey. More details of which teams play in which leagues can be
found in our Teams Section.
The Club also has Men's and Ladies Veterans and Mixed sides with all
sections playing summer hockey. Colts coaching revolves around Sunday
mornings at the Club, which includes taking part in both league and
friendly matches.
During the 1993-94 season the Club celebrated its 75th Anniversary with a
varied programme of activities and events.
At the end of the 1998-1999 season Greenwich Polygons Men's Hockey Club
joined with Burnt Ash, and for the start of the 1999-2000 season the
majority of their players joined Burnt Ash. This has therefore increased
the number of Club members, which it is anticipated will exceed 220 for
the current season. The number of colts will have swelled to over 120.
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