Our Coaches
Experienced school teacher and coach. Coached Croydon High to Surrey Champions, St Michael’s to National IAPS success, and multiple Knole Park national title-winning teams. Played for Brighton & Hove, Wimbledon and Sevenoaks. Multiple BUSA golds and National Vets titles.
A Sports Science graduate from the University of Exeter, Ollie currently works at Caterham School, combining coaching with teaching and athlete development. He plays at the highest domestic level for Oxted HC 1st XI in the Premier League, and has represented England at U16, U18 & U21 levels and Great Britain at U21.
PE Teacher at Sevenoaks School and Performance Centre coach at Tonbridge. Coaches and umpires across a variety of Knole Park teams. Played for Kirkby Stephen, Loughborough and Sevenoaks.
Coaches U12s, U10s and U8s with patience and joy. Captain of the Women’s 2s. Positive, encouraging influence on and off the pitch.
Men’s 1s player. Former U13 national champion, Norfolk and East of England junior. Played for Oxford University, Southgate and spent a year playing and coaching in Sydney.
Coaches and manages U12 Girls. Plays for Women’s 1s. County and regional player in her youth and Newcastle University hockey.
Contributes to coaching and player development across age groups.
The Committee
A dedicated group of volunteers who have all competed at a high level. They bring passion, experience and huge commitment to making HC Knole Park exceptional.
Our Chair
Jim Spark is the current Chair of Knole Park Hockey Club. For those of you who don’t know him, Jim is a qualified Headteacher with well over 20 years of experience teaching and leading in education. He is also an enhanced Level 5 Designated Safeguarding Lead. With a strong sports background, Jim represented his town, county and country, and also played professional rugby for a number of teams.
Having supported his two daughters on the sidelines at the club, he decided to take to the hockey pitch himself and has played in the KP Men’s 1s team. Jim also holds a Level 1 umpiring qualification.
As Chair, Jim is dedicated to strengthening and growing the club while staying true to its values of inclusive and enjoyable hockey, with a strong focus on player development and community.
Club Strategy & Values
To be a forward-thinking, creative and inspirational hockey club for all hockey players wishing to progress their hockey.
- Life-long love of hockey for every member
- Positively competitive, challenging environments
- Creative, dynamic, exciting attacking hockey
- Outstanding coaching using the latest methodologies
- Fair play, sportsmanship and enjoyment
- Strong community on and off the pitch
Game-based trainings create scenarios for decision-making and technical development. Coaches provide individual feedback and ‘in-game’ learning moments. We use up-to-date techniques and technology so players learn to self-reflect and improve independently.
Player Development & Pathways
Talent pathway support for players aiming at regional and national programmes.
Routes and mentoring for players who want to take up the whistle.
Summer programme: leading, coaching, umpiring and managing with mentored support.
Pitch Locations
Kit
Worn with pride.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the membership fees?
Do you offer taster sessions?
Can my child join mid-season?
Is indoor included?
Do you work with schools?
I’m worried my child won’t be good enough.
Policies & Guidelines
We are committed to the highest standards set by England Hockey. All members must follow our club policies and the national governing body rules.
We follow England Hockey’s Spirit of Hockey Code of Conduct, which sets the standards and values for everyone in the game.
Read the Spirit of Hockey →We deal with misconduct fairly and consistently in line with England Hockey guidance and our club rules. Serious matters may be referred to the appropriate governing body.
Contact us for details →HC Knole Park is committed to being inclusive and welcoming to players of all backgrounds, abilities and identities. We adopt England Hockey’s approach to equity in the sport.
View England Hockey EDI resources →Health, Safety & Insurance
We use England Hockey’s Planning Safe Hockey guide as the foundation for all training and match planning.
Read the guide & checklists →Risk assessments are completed for all our venues and reviewed regularly. They cover facilities, activities and emergency procedures.
Current venue risk assessments are available on request or via the members area.
We follow England Hockey’s Injury Reporting Policy. Significant injuries are logged using the official channels.
England Hockey Injury Reporting →All members are covered by public liability insurance (minimum £10 million) through England Hockey Club Membership+ from the day they join.
Details provided on request.Operational Requirements
All players taking part in competitive league matches must register on the England Hockey Game Management System.
Register on GMS →Adult teams compete under South East Hockey / Kent area league rules administered through GMS.
South East Hockey Leagues →All players must wear:
- Shin pads (mandatory)
- Mouthguard / gum shield (mandatory)
England Hockey strongly recommends:
- Facemasks when defending penalty corners (all ages/levels)
- Ankle protection where appropriate
Full playing kit (Year 8+) via our partner Bat & Ball Sports.
