Stroud Walking Hockey Festival Draws 100+ Players Across South West

Stroud Hockey Club's annual walking hockey festival filled the Astroturf at Stratford Park Leisure Centre on Sunday, August 2, pulling sides from Stroud, Bromsgrove, Bristol, South Berkshire, Wythall and Cheltenham into a single afternoon of competitive, cooperative sport. When the last whistle went, Stroud and South Berkshire stood level at the top — joint winners, and joint proof of what the format is built for.

Chris Gardner knows the format's appeal better than most. A former Stroud player whose knees have long since retired from full-contact hockey, he's found a second wind in the walking game. "As with many older players, the dynamism of field hockey matches has meant that my joints are less robust than they were," he said. "It's fantastic to be able to play walking hockey, to feel part of a team and to enjoy the comradeship of fellow enthusiasts. The cafe at the leisure centre offers the chance to socialise afterwards."

A great summary of the sport: team, camaraderie, a cup of tea after. Nothing complicated about it.

From Five Founders to 35 Players

The section behind Sunday's turnout — known as SWHISH — didn't exist five years ago. Five former club members launched it in 2023. It now runs to more than 35 players, a mix of old Stroud faces and complete newcomers, with at least 22 turning up regularly for £5 Tuesday morning sessions between 10am and 11.15am. Coaching, drills, game play. No experience required, no sticks to buy — the club provides both for anyone starting out.

A Game Built for Accessibility

The rules keep it that way. Five players a side, no goalkeepers, a ball built lighter and larger than the standard version, and nothing beyond a push or a slap allowed. Studs are out; trainers are in. Layers and water are the only kit advice that matters.

Nearly a Century of Firsts

None of it would carry the same weight without the club behind it. Stroud Hockey Club has fielded both men's and women's teams since 1928 — one of the first clubs in Britain to do so — and today runs three of each, a mixed side, an indoor section and youth teams alongside SWHISH. A festival like Sunday's doesn't just fill a pitch for an afternoon. It's what happens when a century-old club keeps finding new ways to let people play.