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History of Blackburn Hockey Club and Clitheroe Ladies Hockey Club

Blackburn Hockey Club was established as part of Blackburn Northern Sports Club, originally formed in 1913 under the name Blackburn St. James'. Initially, the club participated in cricket and gradually expanded to include tennis and squash. In 1995, hockey was introduced to the club following a merger with Blackburn Hockey Club. Despite having a strong start, the hockey section faced challenges in the years leading up to 2015, dwindling from three ladies' and three men's teams to just one each, with the ladies' section on the brink of folding​

Clitheroe Ladies Hockey Club had a vibrant history, forming in 1975 and steadily growing over the decades. However, they faced significant difficulties in maintaining a stable home pitch. The club's journey saw them moving through several locations: West Bradford, Ribblesdale Cricket Pitch, Prairie in Burnley, Ribblesdale Shale Pitch, Fulwood Leisure Centre in Preston, Shadsworth High School, Hyndburn Sports Centre, and Ribblesdale High School. Each move was driven by the pitches either being converted to football fields or becoming unplayable due to maintenance issues and costs​

The Merger in 2015

By 2015, Clitheroe Ladies Hockey Club faced significant challenges after losing their final pitch at Ribblesdale School in the Ribble Valley, leading them to briefly train at Stonyhurst College. With their next nearest suitable pitch at Blackburn Northern Sports Club, the initial plan was to hire the pitch and utilise the clubhouse to enhance hockey's presence in the town. After several meetings, a merger emerged as the ideal solution for both parties.

Clitheroe Ladies brought four thriving teams and a strong junior section, seeking stability and a permanent home base. On the other hand, Blackburn Northern Hockey Club, despite having excellent facilities including their own pitch and clubhouse, needed an influx of players and better organisational structure to sustain itself.

The initial merger saw the clubs operating under separate names: Blackburn Northern Men and Clitheroe Blackburn Ladies. This arrangement, lasting for two years, allowed both sections to stabilise and grow in numbers and structure.

Saving Two Historic Clubs

Without the merger, both clubs were at risk of folding, which would have been devastating for the local hockey scene. This was especially concerning given that Blackburn Northern Ladies, once a National League club featuring ex-international players such as Val Robinson OBE, and Clitheroe Ladies, known for producing local talent and winning numerous trophies in the Ribble Valley, could have disappeared. This would have meant the complete loss of hockey in the area.

A New Era: Clitheroe Blackburn Northern Hockey Club

In 2018, the clubs officially merged into Clitheroe Blackburn Northern Hockey Club, now boasting four ladies' teams, three men's teams, and a thriving junior section. The club is now focused on becoming a powerhouse of hockey across the county. It aims to form partnerships, grow, and develop within the community. The club has established a substantive network of hockey hubs throughout East Lancashire, offering opportunities for everyone. They continue to strengthen their strong relationships with Westholme School and many other primary and secondary schools across East Lancashire.

This merger not only preserved the rich history and legacy of both clubs but also laid the foundation for a bright future, ensuring that hockey remains a vibrant and integral part of the local community.

As a club, our mission is to foster an inclusive and dynamic hockey community where every member, regardless of age, gender, or skill level, can thrive. To achieve this, we are committed to the following goals

1. Diverse Hockey Opportunities: We aim to offer both competitive and social hockey experiences across various levels, ensuring that every member can find a place that suits their individual goals and needs. Whether you're looking to compete at a high level or simply enjoy the camaraderie of social hockey, our club has something for you.
2. Structured Development and Progression: Our club is dedicated to providing a well-organised and strategic approach to coaching and team selection. This structure supports the development and progression of all players, helping them advance in their hockey journey in a supportive and systematic way.
3. Quality Coaching for Maximum Potential: We are committed to delivering high-quality coaching to our members, enabling them to reach their full potential and deepen their enjoyment of the sport. Our coaches are focused on providing the guidance and training necessary for players to excel at every level of play.
4. Clear Pathways for Junior Development: Our club is dedicated to offering a clear and supportive pathway for our junior members, ensuring they can seamlessly progress from our junior teams to the highest levels of adult competition. We believe in nurturing young talent and providing the opportunities they need to succeed.
5. Inclusive and Enjoyable Environment: We strive to create an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome and valued. Our club is committed to fostering an environment that is enjoyable, inclusive, and respectful, allowing all members, regardless of age, gender, or background to fully enjoy the sport of hockey.

By upholding these principles, we aim to build a strong, connected community where hockey enthusiasts of all levels can thrive and share their passion for the game.