Teddington Hockey Club – the oldest hockey club in the world – is marking its 150th anniversary with the appointment of the first woman captain in its history.

Clare Freer from Hampton who has been a member at the Club for 29 years, takes on the role looking after the club's future direction, development, finances and management.

Originally from Hampshire, hockey is well and truly part of the Freer family life. Clare played for the Teddington Women's 2nd team for 20 consecutive seasons and is now team captain for the Women's 3rd team, plays in the Club's Masters squad and coaches under 10 girls every Sunday.

Her 9 year old son Charlie plays in the club's Under 10s coached by Olympian Jason Laslett. Clare's husband Tom has played for the Club for 22 years and is the Men's 4th team goalkeeper.

Joe Middleton, Club President said: "Every successful organisation understands that principles and values never change, but operational tactics and execution must constantly evolve to embrace new ideas, new technologies and fresh input from a diverse group of people.

"Clare embodies this balanced approach in all of her thinking and it will bring continued success for her and for the club".

Clare said: "I know this wonderful Club intimately and I am so very proud and excited to be able to focus on shaping its future.

"We have one of the biggest junior sections around and I am particularly proud that we not only excel at the highest levels in the game, but we do so much to boost participation.

"We are now in the very healthy position of having seven men's and seven women's teams and a membership base that spans a 500 strong youth section, back-to-hockey mums, veterans, masters and players with disability.

"We also have over 80 members playing representative hockey at Olympic, National and junior County level. We have created a new ladies team every year for the last four years."

She added: "It has been made even more clear during the last difficult year of the pandemic that sport participation embracing exercise, fitness, social interaction and its contribution to our mental health and wellbeing are so very important for people of all ages and particularly for our children.

"I want to see more people enjoy the benefits of our great Club and all it has to offer."

This news follows the appointment last year of Double Olympian, Matt Daly as the Teddington Hockey Club Performance Director.

The Club has put on hold its 150 year celebrations in 2021 due to the pandemic, but is planning a major schedule of events next year to mark the important milestone - not only for the Club, but for the sport in general.