Blockley Sports and Social Club are something special.

“We’re a local club in the North Cotswolds aimed at the local population,” said Sam Jones, the women’s first team’s captain for hockey.

“We pride ourselves on being accessible to all ages and backgrounds whilst being supportive to the cricket, hockey and football sections as well as to the older social members and the local population.

“It’s truly a club for the community.”

The club was formed some time ago and has an impressive reach.

“The club was formed in 1958, bringing together existing football and cricket teams,” said Sam.

“There are currently 75 members with a further 40 attending junior hockey training.”

For women’s hockey, there are two teams.

The first team is playing in North Division of the West Clubs Women’s League and the second in Severn Division 3 on Saturday league fixtures.

Sam isn’t short of her own great experiences with the sport to talk about.

“Hockey is a team sport which brings close bonds,” she said.

“It’s a challenge on all levels; as an individual it’s about being the best you can be and as fit as you can be.

“As a team, the challenges are greater – it’s bringing together 11 individuals to play as a unit to win.

“That challenge is there every time I step on the pitch but above all it’s always fun.

“I joined Blockley six years ago.

“Leading the Blockley first team to league promotion in my first year as captain has been one of my main personal achievements with hockey.

“I captained the Royal Navy women’s side as well as playing for the Armed Forces – I served with the Royal Navy as a logistics officer from 2001-2017.

“I also help coach the junior section.”

Sam can easily name an event that stood out for her.

“Taking 36 club members to watch the gold medal-winning GB women’s team replaying the Olympic final v Netherlands at Lee Valley Stadium last year has been a highlight of my time with the club,” she said.

Sam isn’t one to live in the past though – there are definitely hopes for the club’s future.

“We started a junior section in September 2017,” said Sam.

“It’s open to ages eight-16. We aim to increase participation in the sport in this area through entering teams from across the age ranges into county tournaments and fixtures.

“This should enable Blockley Hockey Club to expand in the future.

“We regularly have 40 youngsters going to our sessions.

“I hope to see this section go from strength to strength and enable the senior teams to expand to include a men’s team and a third women’s team.

“I would love to see a much greater number of the North Cotswold population play or watch this fast-paced, exciting game that we love.”

It seems that Blockley Hockey Club will be achieving great things in the near future.