Freemasons back hockey club’s drive to help town’s deprived areas

Freemasons of Grimsby’s Astral Lodge have given Grimsby Hockey Club £250 to help the club buy equipment in support of a recruitment drive directed toward young people in deprived areas of Grimsby.

The club’s story is deeply rooted in the legacy of Phil Appleyard, a hockey visionary from Cleethorpes whose involvement was key in raising the profile of the sport across the nation. A former goalkeeper and captain for Grimsby Hockey Club, he was known for calling himself a ‘Grimsby fish merchant’, despite his work with international agencies and governing bodies.

In 1986, as President of the Hockey Association, he chaired the closing stages of the Hockey World Cup in Willesden, London. His leadership drew record crowds and even prompted the BBC to broadcast the event to over six million viewers — an unprecedented moment for the sport in the UK.

The club’s junior section is a vibrant and growing part of it, offering  training every Saturday morning, focusing on fun, teamwork, and skill-building for young players of all abilities.

A club spokesman said: “We compete in regional tournaments at U10 and U13 levels, giving children the chance to test their skills in a friendly, structured environment. We also work closely with Humber Youth Hockey, helping to support player development and provide pathways into higher-level competition. Whether your child is new to hockey or looking to take their game further, they’ll find a welcoming, encouraging space to learn and grow.​”

Junior training sessions take place between 9.30 and 10.30am on Saturdays at the Ormiston Academy on Westward Ho off Bargate, DN34 5AH, and are open to youngsters ages between 5 and 15.