Surbiton’s record-breaking women’s team are looking to complete the triple crown in the EuroHockey Club Cup this week.
Coming off their fifth consecutive league title, beating Holcombe 3-1 in the play-off final, Surbiton are confident yet aware of the challenge that faces them in the cup.
The club will be hosting the tournament from May 17-20 and hope they can be in the final on their home ground come Sunday.
“You’ve got the best club sides in Europe playing, for us to win it would be absolutely spectacular,” said Anthony Jones, ladies first-team manager.
“We know we have a very tough first match but we think we’ve got a very good quality squad.”
As well as the league title, the women’s first-team won their fourth Investec Women’s Cup in five years after beating Clifton Robinsons 5-0 in the final, the third time they have beaten Clifton in the Investec Women’s Cup final.
Although concentrating on domestic success, Surbiton have always had the Euros at the back of their mind.
They face Spanish champions Club Campo de Madrid in their first game and then either HC Victorya Smolevichi of Belarus or HC ’s-Hertogenbosch if they progress, both of whom are strong favourites to win to the tournament.
“You’ve got to test yourself and that’s ultimately what we want,” said Jones.
“The girls are up for it and really looking forward to playing in our home tournament.”
While the club has been successful on the pitch, it has also tried to maintain strong community links.
They’re keen to get as many local residents in the area involved in not just the club itself but also hockey as a sport and wants to integrate the community into the club.
“One of the things we’re very proud is that there are a lot of state schools which don’t have much sport and we’ve provided the facilities,” said Jones.
“We want to have a product that the local community want to come watch and support.
“It’s about extending the club into the community.”
Tickets for Thursday’s match cost £10 for adults and student tickets are £8.
