Honor Oak Hockey Club members have been expressing their enthusiasm for the name change from King's and Alleyn's HC at the beginning of the new season.
The club’s rebranding, 25 years after its founding in 1999, was voted for by club members who wanted more of a link to the local Honor Oak community.
Sarah Sharman, co-captain of the Women's 2nds team, said; "change is always good, it makes everyone feel refreshed and excited, and also we've got the new kit that has come out and it is definitely noticeable."
Suzanne Martyr, co-captain of the Women’s 2nds team, said; “I think it’s great because it ties up the junior club with the senior club so we’re all one big family now.”
The club was originally called King's Old Boys HC as it was formed by a group of hockey-fanatic university friends in Wapping.
A decade later it merged with Alleyn’s Old Boys HC and relocated to Alleyn's School in Dulwich.
After the university refurbished the old Guy’s Rugby Club ground in Honor Oak Park, the club moved to where it stands today as a core part of the local community.
The club was then able to open a youth section, Honor Oak Panthers, which continues to thrive.
Club members say that its core values of companionship and competitiveness are retained. The new name more accurately reflects the players.
James Simpson, coach of both senior and junior teams at the club said; “there's a lot of history in the old name, but it is really nice to have a new name that links us to where we play geographically and hopefully will encourage new joiners to find us and grow the club together.”
Along with the name, a new kit has been introduced for the members of Honor Oak HC, boasting the traditional navy and pink colours of the club.
James Simpson added; "I think the name change is a really good move for the club."
