Abingdon Hockey Club

Welcome to the Team Page – where you can learn more about the various teams and their captains – though we are all part of one big team really! So without further ado – here is your guide to the teams and their captains!

Men’s Club Captain: Tony Edwards

Hi – I am Tony Edwards and I am the current men’s club captain taking over the reins from Mark Ellis (current men’s 1st XI captain). I have been playing for Abingdon now for almost 10 years since my move down from Lancashire to sunny Oxfordshire. In my time at the club I have played for all 3 men’s teams and the mixed team.I have also been fortunate enough to captain the men’s 2nd XI. If you have any questions then you can find me at training (I am a goalkeeper, so easy to spot!) and I will be more than happy to help you out!

Men’s 1st XI Captain: Mark Ellis

Hi, I am Mark, captain of men’s 1st team. I have played for Abingdon since 1998, although had a 3 year absence while playing in Bristol for the mighty University of the West of England but since then returned…I just can’t stay away! During my time at Abingdon I have played for every team at one point or another as well as having held several committee positions.

Last season the first team finished fourth in MBBO Division 2 and thanks to a nine game unbeaten run we were in the hunt for promotion right up until the last game of the season. Overall we are a competitive yet friendly team with a huge desire to win but just as importantly we like to enjoy a beer after the game!

Men’s 2nd XI Captain: Hugo Audley-Miller

Hi, My name is Hugo and I am the Men’s 2nd XI Captain. I have played for the Club for 2 years now and I really enjoy it. When I first joined I was made to feel really welcome and part of a team. Everyone is really friendly and in the 2s we always have a good laugh on a Saturday playing together, especially at Match Teas after the game.

There is a really good vibe in the club and I also enjoy playing mixed hockey too which is really good fun on a Sunday! This is my second year on the committee, as I was social secretary last year. If you have any questions, suggestions or ideas about the men’s 2nd team then just come and find me at training as I am always happy to help!

Men’s 3rd XI Captain: Richard Smart

Richard has played for Cambridge, South Saxons, Eastbourne, Brunei Vets, Newbury, Oxford
Hawks and Abingdon. His highest level was Eastbourne 1st X1 and Brunei Vets. He is a level
1 coach and hopes to become a level 1 umpire as he sees the day approaching when he will
have to hang up his stick.

He enjoys running development sides consisting of youngsters and old gits like himself and
gets a particular kick from seeing youngsters move onwards and upwards, getting the same
joy out of hockey that he has enjoyed for nearly half a century.

Ladies’ Club Captain: Lou Barker

Hi! I am Lou and I have been playing for Abingdon for 2 years now. I play in defence for the ladies’s 1s and enjoy playing mixed too! I love playing for Abingdon as I was made really welcome when I first joined the club. Abingdon is a really friendly and sociable club and I always have a great time on and off the pitch with other members of the club. As Ladies’ club cpatain please feel you can come and talk to me with any questions or queries you may have relating to the club.

Ladies’ 1st XI Captain: Paula Pena

Hi, I’m Paula, captain of the Ladies’ 1s. I moved to Oxfordshire to start my new job and I was looking to join a Hockey club. One of my friends recommended joining Abingdon Hockey Club has she was also a member and after almost 9 years I am still in the club. Many of my friends play for the club and despite having other Hockey clubs closer to where I live I continue playing for Abingdon as I enjoy playing in a friendly and relaxed environment with my friends. This year we will be playing in Div 2. The team has a friendly, happy and united spirit. We enjoy playing together and any new players are welcome to join us. We have a really good relationship with the second team and both teams always help each other out and support each other. Abingdon is a really great place to play hockey if you want to enjoy yourself, but also push yourself to play your best in a supportive environment.

Ladies 2nd XI Captain: Kirby Kirbster

Kirby has played for Abingdon for many years and loves the club. In the second team everyone, of whatever level, is encouraged and supported so that they play their best and improve! The team has bags of spirit led by Kirby who always keeps people’s spirits up, even when the going gets tough! The “Mighty Twos” are a really friendly bunch who love playing hockey and enjoy a really great team spirit. The 2s and the 1s get on really well and movement between teams is encouraged – with all ladies just seeing themselves as part of one big team really! The 2s finished a brilliant 5th last season, and are hoping to do even better this year!

Mixed XI: Captains: Dave Rollins and Jen Sugden

Hi I’m Dave and I have been with the club for 12 years through thick and thin! I Love the club – it’s a fun and friendly place to play hockey. If your up for a laugh come along on our touring festivals or play in our mixed team.

I’m Jen, and I will be helping Dave sort out the mixed team this year! Playing mixed is really great fun, it is really relaxed but it is a great way to improve your game! Mixed is just the tonic you need before you have to go back to work / school on monday!