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Harleston Magpies HC (originally for men only) was formed in 1935 and named after the well-known public house which hosted the inaugural meeting.

A separate ladies club was formed in 1954 with a successful merger following in 1974. Two years later the present clubhouse was built – and later extended – and in 1982 the club bought the freehold of most of its grounds.

Over the years the club has continued to improve its facilities and in 1990 put down a sand-based artificial grass pitch, which was re-carpeted in 2006, and in 2002 put down a water-based artificial grass pitch. These developments would not have been possible without the invaluable help of Mid Suffolk DC, South Norfolk DC, Sport England, the Foundation for Sport and the Arts and many club members, sponsors and supporters.

The club, which is renowned for its friendly family atmosphere, has developed a large and active youth section drawn from the local community due in no small part to the decision in 1995 to appoint a Youth Development Officer to promote hockey at the club and in the community.

magpies-mens-1st-teamHMHC, which aims to instil a life-long interest in the game in its members, has been one of the most consistently successful in East Anglia over the last ten years and seeks to serve the local community, placing great emphasis on its youth development programme, by providing hockey for men, women, boys and girls – of all ages and abilities.

Sixteen regular Saturday league teams are run each week ranging from the Ladies’ 1sts in the Slazenger English Hockey League and the Men’s 1sts in the top East League to the Ladies’ Colts B (effectively the eighth team) in Division 3 of the Martin & Acock Norfolk League and the Men’s 7ths in Division 5 NE of the East structure. The club also enters teams in the various national youth competitions. In all the club runs a total of 28 teams in various competitions (including the indoor version of the game) throughout the season so there is scope for all who wish to participate!

The club aims to ensure that as many people as possible within the community who might wish to join the Club are made aware of its activities through, mainly, the local press and radio, the club’s website, the Harleston Grapevine magazine and our notice board near the Harleston Post Office.

If you or your children would like to join the club please contact us via the special link on the Club’s website (www.magpies-hockey.co.uk).

You will be very welcome.

Mike Denham