Sue Noake Hockey Club wins Club of the Year at Caerphilly Sports Awards

Hoci Cymru would like to congratulate Sue Noake Hockey Club for a fantastic win at the Caerphilly Sports Awards, receiving the Club of the Year award.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the club has gone from strength to strength over the past 12 months, delivering an incredible impact not only within the club but across the wider local community as well.

Entirely volunteer-led, it is a club built on passion, inclusion, and a commitment to making hockey accessible for all, regardless of age, background, or ability.

And the club’s fantastic work was recognised on Friday 7th November, as it received the Langstone Safety & Workwear Club of the Year award.

“The club has increased participation by 40%, welcoming players from age six to 70+,” read the programme on the night.

“The senior team achieved promotion last season, while juniors flourish under experienced and young coaches, many former players.

“The club champions equality through bilingual posts, Pride and mental health campaigns, and affordable access for all. Families benefit from taster sessions and lift-chares that reduce barriers to play.

“With school partnerships, Hoci Cymru links, and a family-first ethos, Sue Noake Hockey continues to change lives through sport.”

Hoic Cymru is delighted to see our community clubs gain this deserved recognition.

A club that places such emphasis on development, accessibility, inclusion, community, welfare, and much more, Sue Noake HC are a shining example of the power of hockey.

In the past year, the club has grown participation, invested in people, raised safety standards through our RALPHH defibrillator initiative, and deepened its community footprint – all powered by volunteers and careful use of limited resources.

Despite being a relatively small club in size and budget, Sue Noake’s impact is outsized, powered by volunteers, driven by passion, and united by a shared goal – to make hockey welcoming, fun, and accessible for all.

“In 2005 a few of us decided to set up a local hockey club in memory of the late, great Dr Sue Noake who sadly passed away the previous year; it's crazy to think that 20 years later we are still going, and stronger than ever,” commented Leah Jay, senior team captain and co-Founder of the club.

“It sounds clichéd, but we are more than just a club, we are a hockey family, always there for each other during life's wonderful ups and heartbreaking downs.

“I think it's fair to say that our club has been the constant in the lives of all our members,” she continued, “with the hockey, the laughs, banter and the countless memories we've made over the years both on and off the pitch. I know that Sue would be extremely proud of who we are and what we stand for as a club.

“In our 20-year history, we have never failed to fulfil a fixture, even when it's meant travelling to West or Mid Wales without a full team; we have a determination and commitment to each other that I believe can't be matched!

“It is more than a privilege to be the captain of our senior team,” Leah concluded. “The support and backing I get from the committee and all the players is something I can't do justice with words. I couldn't be prouder of our club and everyone that has been involved and played their part over the years.”

Be sure to follow Sue Noake Hockey on socials to keep up-to-date on all the fantastic things the club is doing!