This week's (February 5) Club of the Week is the Ely City Hockey Club, which is a long-established sports club in the city.

What do they do?

The Ely City Hockey Club is based in Ely, and welcomes everyone of any age and any ability.

There are three men's teams and three ladies' teams that play in the England Hockey East Region League, with weekly matches running from September to March.

The club also has a "very active" Junior Section that train on a weekly basis. 

They play in regional development festivals and Tier 2 festivals on a monthly basis.

Where do they meet?

The club meet at the Ely Outdoors Sports Association, which is behind the Ely Leisure Village.

There is an AstroTurf pitch, a clubhouse with changing facilities, a bar and a social area at the Sports Association.

How often do you meet?

During the hockey season, which begins in September and ends in April, the ladies' teams train on a Tuesday evening from 8pm - 9:30pm. 

The men's teams train on a Wednesday evening from 8pm - 9:30pm. 

League matches are played on a Saturday on a weekly basis.

The Junior Section of the club train during term time, from September to May half-term.

Children in Year One to Year Five train on a Tuesday from 5:30pm - 6:30pm.

Year Six to Year Seven children train from 6:45pm - 7:45pm on a Tuesday.

Year Eight to Year 13 students train on a Wednesday evening from 7pm - 8pm.

In the summer months a mixed adult training session runs.

Are they looking for new people to join the club?

"We are always looking for new people to join the club!"

Do new people need any experience?

"No, they don't."

The club runs 'Back to Hockey' sessions in the summer for adults who have not played hockey for a while, or those who have never played at all. 

Beginners are welcome to join anytime during the season and can come along to adult training. 

Juniors who have never played before are also welcome to join at any time of the year.

Are there any joining fees or membership costs?

Any newcomers to the club are invited to try three training sessions before they commit to becoming a member of the Ely City Hockey Club.

Membership costs for adults are £130 a year, which can be paid in five instalments.

Anyone that play's in a league match will also need to pay match fees as well.

If players would like to come to training sessions but not play in hockey matches, they can become a social member, which costs £45 a year.

A junior membership, for anyone under the age of 18, is £75 per year, or £35 per term for the Christmas and Easter terms, and £15 for the summer half term.

Do people need special equipment at the club?

The club has plenty of hockey sticks for adults and juniors to borrow.

"All we do ask if that everyone turns up with a pair of shin pads and ideally a mouth guard, although this is not a requirement for the very young juniors."

Contact information

If you would like more information or are interested in joining the club or coming along to a training session, simply email elycityhockeyclub@gmail.com and they will get back to you with all the necessary information.

The website is: https://www.elycityhockey.org/

A word from the club

"Ely City Hockey Club is a long established, friendly and welcoming club and welcomes anyone of any age and of any ability." 

Recommended Reading: The Club of the Week: The City of Ely Girls Cricket Team

Any local clubs that would like to feature as Club of the Week should email: francesca.herring@newsquest.co.uk