Figure 1.--This looks like the junior hockey team fielded by public chool house or possibly a prep chool in the 1950s. It is a postcard-back portrait. The boys are wearing their school uniform rather than their games uniform. The school is not idntified, but it masy be near Margate in Kent. Notice that with theifr blazers they are wearing grey everyday shirts. For special occasiions thy would have worn white shirts.

What is referred to as field hockey in America is commomly referred to simply as just 'hockey' whereas other variants of hockey, such as ice hockey, are referred to by their full name. The modern sport of hockey emerged in England ( mid-18th century). It is largely attributed to the growth of public (elite private boarding ) schools. These were all boys schools like Eton. And girls schools did npot exist. And at the time there were no state schools or sports played at the various other schools. The first Hockey Association on Britsin was formed and drew up the first formal set of rules (1876). Hockey by this time was a major sport at the public and grammar schools. Unlike rugby nd we think cricket, hockey was adopted as a teanm sport by the girls public and grammar schools when they began to be founded (mid-19th century). The sport today is often played on astroturf pitches and occasionally grass pitches, although this is becoming increasingly rare. This used to be a major school sportb in England , but but over time has declined, presumably because of the huge popularity of fooitball (soccer). It survived the longest in private schools. Today asfar as we can tell it is played at vert few public schools. And even less common at state schools. Unlike the United States, hockey has nerver become a largely girls' sport, but is played by girls as well a boys. One report suggests, "Hockey is slowly being picked up by primary schools in the state system and some senior schools but much depends upon the input of local clubs." We have not found a lot of information on English school hockey, but we think it is increasinghly played more as a club rather than a school sport. Ice hockey has become popular as a spectator sport, but is not common at chools, becuse an ice arena is necessary.

Created: 9:32 AM 9/27/2021
Last updated: 9:32 AM 9/27/2021