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EnglishWhat Teams and Training Does Saffron Walden Hockey Club Offer?
Updated
Saffron Walden Hockey Club runs eight men's teams (M1–M8) and six women's teams (W1–W6), with adult training listed separately for men and women, a junior section built around a coaching framework, and a social hockey option for casual play. The club describes itself as welcoming players of all ages and abilities, from newcomers and returning players to those seeking competitive hockey, so the range of teams is the main way it matches players to the right level.
Adult Teams
The club's team structure is the clearest guide to where you would fit:
| Section | Teams listed | What it suggests |
|---|---|---|
| Men | M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M6, M7, M8 | A deep ladder from top competitive sides down through several lower teams |
| Women | W1, W2, W3, W4, W5, W6 | A similar progression across six sides |
The numbering convention (1 as the highest side) is standard in English club hockey, and the club's news items about its Men's 5th XI playing fixtures against other clubs' lower teams are consistent with that reading. The practical point: with eight men's and six women's teams, there is usually a side for a player who is new, returning after a break, or simply not chasing the first team.
Adult Training
Training is organised by section, with separate men's and women's sessions listed on the site. The club does not publish session times, venues or costs in the material available here, so the reliable next step is to check the training pages for your section or contact the club directly before turning up. If you are unsure which session suits you, say so when you get in touch — the team structure means the club can point you to the right level.
Juniors
The junior section has its own entry point ("Join our Juniors") and is organised around a coaching framework, which indicates structured development rather than ad-hoc sessions. The club also runs a summer camp — the site lists one for 25–26 August 2026 — which is a low-commitment way for a junior to try the club before joining. Parents should use the junior join page or contact the club for age groups and current arrangements, as these are not detailed in the pages reviewed.
Social Hockey
For players who want to play without a weekly team commitment, the club lists a Social Hockey option alongside its competitive sections. This sits well with the club's stated mix of "strong club spirit and family atmosphere" and a competitive edge — social hockey is the casual entry point, while the numbered teams are where league fixtures happen.
Other Things Worth Knowing Before You Choose
- Recognition: the club states it is a full England Hockey Talent Centre and holds ClubMark, and it runs the Respect campaign — useful signals if you are choosing a club for a junior with development ambitions.
- Facilities: the site has a "Book our facilities" page, so pitch or clubhouse hire may be available; check that page for what can be booked.
- Costs: membership fees are referenced as a page on the site, but no figures appear in the material here, so treat pricing as something to confirm with the club rather than assume.
- Kit: the club recently appointed a new kit supplier; the kit supplier page will have the current details.
How to Decide
If you are an adult, pick your section (men's or women's), check the training page, and ask the club which team level matches your experience. If you are choosing for a junior, start with the juniors page and consider the summer camp as a trial. If you want occasional play, ask about Social Hockey first. In every case, the club's contact page and the relevant join page are the routes to a definite answer on times, fees and availability.