Club History

Kendal Ladies Hockey Club was a relatively young club with roots in the 1980s when it began as Netherfield Hockey Club. The transition to astroturf in 1995 marked the club’s rebranding as Kendal Ladies Hockey Club.

The club started its journey in the local Netherwood League before entering the Cumbria League in 2002. Success came quickly, with the team securing back-to-back Cumbria League Championships during the 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 seasons, earning promotion to the North West Feeder League.

By the 2008-2009 season, the club achieved an undefeated run, securing promotion to North Division One. Kendal adapted well to the higher level, finishing third in their first season and going on to gain promotion to the North Premier Division in 2010-2011.

The club continued to grow, introducing a second team in the Cumbria League. This second team became vital to the club’s development, offering opportunities for new and returning players, supporting the first team, and bridging the gap for juniors transitioning from the Netherwood League to senior competitive hockey. The junior section flourished, with many players using the Netherwood League to gain experience in 11-a-side hockey.

In the first team’s debut season in the North Premier Division, the club exceeded expectations by finishing in the top five. In 2012-2013, Kendal Ladies Hockey Club made history as the first Cumbrian team to achieve promotion to the Investec Women’s National Conference North.

In just 10 years, Kendal Ladies Hockey Club transformed from a small local league team into a National League Hockey Club.

Tracing its origins to the late 1800s, Kendal Men's Hockey Club began its journey as Netherfield Men's Hockey Club. Stepping into the 1970s, the club transformed into Kendal Men's Hockey Club, a name that resonates through its enduring history until the 2016/17 season.

However, the path hasn't always been without challenges. The club grappled with attracting players over the years, even leading to the dissolution of its second team during the 1990s.

Yet, resilience prevailed, and a new era of growth emerged in recent seasons. Following a period of stagnation in North West League Division 5 North, Kendal Men's Hockey Club experienced a renaissance.

Beginning with the 2011/12 season, the club embarked on an upward trajectory within the league hierarchy. Climbing from North West League Division 5 North, the club ascended to the North West League Division 3 North. This ascent was accompanied by not only an enhanced performance by the first team team but also the reestablishment of the second team in North West League Division 6 North North for the 2015/16 season. This vital addition provides essential development opportunities for the club as a whole.

After consolidating a commendable mid-table presence in the 2016/17 season, Kendal Men's Hockey Club's first team set its sights on a new chapter. Driven by ambition, the team aimed to break barriers and contend for an opportunity for further promotion.

Kendal Ladies and Kendal Men’s Hockey Clubs have always shared a close relationship, with pre-season friendly matches being a highlight for both clubs.

In recent years, the two clubs collaborated more closely to promote hockey and provide youth development opportunities. This partnership culminated in a joint effort in the 2016/17 England Hockey Knockout Competition Mixed Trophy, competing under the name Kendal Mint Cakes. The team performed admirably, reaching the final 16 of the national competition and emerging as the last remaining Northern team - a promising result for their first venture as a unified side.

This successful collaboration inspired the two clubs to formally unite as Kendal Hockey Club. Today, the club proudly fields up to two senior ladies’ teams, two senior men’s teams, and a thriving junior section.

With this unity, Kendal Hockey Club looks to the future with great pride and optimism, ready to continue building on its legacy and contributing to the sport of hockey.