A History of Lancaster and Morecambe Hockey Club

The Start of Men’s Hockey in Lancaster and Morecambe

Morecambe Hockey club was formed in 1985 following the success of Great Britain in the Olympics. A couple of enthusiasts placed an advert in the Lancaster Guardian to attract Men who might be interested in starting a Hockey Team. This advertisement attracted a small nucleus of players which resulted in a few friendly games being played.

Initially the club were based at Morecambe Cricket Club, by the end of the 1985/86 season there were enough players to run two teams!

Into the Leagues

We made a significant step forward in 1987 when the 1st XI joined the 4th division of the North West Hockey League and by the following season our 2nd XI were also playing league hockey. At this time, we played our club matches at Lancaster University.

We organised our first tournament, a primary source for club funding, in September 1988, with some 22 Men’s teams taking part.

Progression

The Men’s teams were getting stronger as each season progressed. In the 1988/89 season several of our teams achieved promotions. By the 1994/95 season our 1st XI had established themselves in the first division of the North West League. During this period we formed a 3rd XI, and in 1990 a 4th XI. The club fielded 4 Men’s teams for the following nine seasons, with its headquarters at the Farmhouse Tavern.

The Introduction of the Ladies Teams

In the spring of 1992 the club formed a Ladies section and entered the Lancashire Central Women’s Hockey Association. They gained promotion in four consecutive seasons to reach the Premier Division, being runners up in the 1997/98 season as cup finalists.

Continued Success

After several near misses, our 1st XI gained promotion to the Northern Premier League in the 1997/98 season, travelling all over the North West.

We formed a Ladies 2nd XI in 1993/94 and similarly progressed through the leagues to the 1st division. Building on this success, we formed a 3rd XI in the 1996/97 season and a 4th XI in the 1998/99 season.

Into the 21st Century

Our Men’s veterans team was formed in 1993/94, and regularly play friendly games and tournaments. The team has played international tournaments in England, Scotland, Wales, Germany and Holland and in 2012 hosted an international tournament in Lancaster.

In 2012 Morecambe and District Hockey club made the decision to “re-brand” and change the club name to Lancaster and Morecambe Hockey Club. This was to encourage and widen our catchment area. LMHC currently have 3 Men’s and 3 Ladies Teams, a Vets Squad and a thriving Junior Development programme.

We currently play all our home fixtures at the University of Cumbria in Lancaster.