Teddington Hockey Club (THC) has just completed the second successful season of its groundbreaking Schools Outreach Programme, delivering professional coaching and competitive sport to over 200 children from five state schools. 

And the 2025 season has just finished with a bang, with Grey Court School winning the National State Schools Championships in Nottingham and its U14 boys finishing runners-up in a close-run Final.

Grey Court School's girls team took the national state school hockey finals in Nottingham (Image supplied)

The programme, managed by THC's Neil Guilder and his team of coaches, now provides hockey coaching, equipment, custom-designed shirts, and the chance to compete in full-scale events to children from both primary and secondary schools across Richmond borough.

The schools include St.Ricards Primary, St.Mary's Twickenham Primary, Orleans Park School, Teddington School, and Grey Court.

THC's Outreach programme is sponsored and funded by global technology company, Zoho.

Director of Coaching, Neil Guilder said: "We are so proud of what the children have achieved this year.

"This is about access to sport, vital exercise, social connectivity, and the numerous values inherent in team spirit.

"It's of course great to see them compete at a regional or national level – we took three teams from the programme – Orleans Park, Teddington, and Grey Court - to the National State School Finals, but overall, the most rewarding thing we deliver is summed up in one word - FUN."

The programme is continuing to grow as participating schools acknowledge the impact it can have on pupils.

Clare Kemp of Orleans Park School said: "Each week, Teddington Hockey Club provides high-quality coaches who deliver engaging and dynamic after-school hockey sessions.

"They have become a highlight for our Key Stage 3 students, with consistently high attendance reflecting their enthusiasm and passion for the sport.

"The expert coaching and structured training have significantly improved our students' skills, confidence and overall enjoyment of hockey providing outstanding opportunities to learn, compete, and grow."

Steve Wilmore of Grey Court School said: "The partnership with Teddington has enabled our players to compete at a higher level, fostering teamwork and discipline.

"With the coaches' drive and enthusiasm, Teddington's support has been instrumental in expanding hockey participation within Grey Court, ensuring students of all abilities can engage with the sport and progress in their development."

Sachin Agrawal, Managing Director, Zoho UK, said: "We believe in investing in our local communities for many reasons, including to help positively impact youth development.

"As part of this, we have supported Teddington Hockey Club for three years and are privileged to be part of the positive impact this project has across local school and neighbourhood communities.

"Teddington Hockey Club's commitment and quality offered to young people and their families is commendable and we look forward to continuing to support this growing programme."

THC is the oldest hockey club in the world founded in Bushy Park in 1871.

It now has close to 1,000 members of all ages, seven men's and ladies' teams and an acclaimed junior section.

Last year, it launched Flyerz Hockey, a fun and friendly programme inclusive of all abilities and ages which enables disabled and non-disabled players to play together.