Teddington is home to the oldest hockey club in the world - but they can't yet get back to playing on their home ground.

The club was founded in 1871 and has seven men's teams, seven women's teams and over 500 junior players.

Usually based at Teddington School the club have had to train in small groups in Staines out in Surrey over the past couple of weekends.

Alan Twigg from the club expressed the desire to get back on their home turf.

He said: "We are desperate to get back out there.

"There's a responsibility to the kids to maintain their fitness and well-being.

"The kids have been loving the sessions but we would love to hold more."

The reason that the club cannot yet return to their pitches at Teddington School is due to the buildings not yet being deemed Covid secure.

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The site is run by Richmond Council who have not yet given a timescale on when the club can go back.

Alan told us: "We are frustrated with the situation.

"We have a professional coaching team that follows all the guidelines.

"There could be a lot of people out playing hockey safely in Teddington."

The club are hopeful that the council will give the green light for them to return to Teddington very soon.

Teddington Hockey Club is the oldest in the world and having been founded in 1871 will celebrate their 150th anniversary next year.

The club has produced a number of Olympians and were one of the original founders of the London League.

You can find out more about Teddington Hockey Club HERE

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You can also read the guidelines set out by England Hockey HERE