About

Vision:

To make hockey accessible to all in the Outer East.

Mission:

Croydon Ranges Hockey Club provides hockey opportunities for people of all ages, abilities, and background at an affordable price.  It is a great way to ensure that everyone in the community can participate and enjoy the benefits of sports, regardless of their financial circumstances or physical capabilities. This inclusive approach helps bridge gaps and bring people from diverse backgrounds together, promoting understanding, empathy, and unity within the community.

Values:

By adhering to these below values, Croydon Ranges Hockey Club strives to create a positive, nurturing, supportive and thriving environment that benefits its members, participants, and the broader community.

1. Inclusive Environment: Valuing participation means creating an inclusive and welcoming environment where everyone, regardless of their skill level, background, gender, or abilities, feels encouraged to join and be part of our community.

2. Personal Growth: By emphasizing participation, the focus shifts to individual growth, skill development, and the enjoyment of hockey. Participants are encouraged to set personal goals and strive for self-improvement rather than solely concentrating on victory.

3. Reducing Pressure and Stress: When the primary emphasis is on participation, participants experience less pressure to win at all costs, which can lead to a healthier and more enjoyable experience. Reducing stress can lead to enhanced well-being and increased long-term engagement in sports.

4. Promoting Sportsmanship: Emphasizing participation fosters a culture of sportsmanship, fair play, and respect among participants. The focus is on playing the game with integrity, respecting opponents, and embracing the values of hockey.

5. Inclusivity for All Ages and Abilities: Emphasizing participation ensures that individuals of all ages, skill levels, and abilities can be involved and contribute to the sport. This inclusivity promotes diversity and enhances the overall sporting community.

6. Celebrating Effort and Progress: Recognizing and celebrating the effort and progress of participants, regardless of the outcome, reinforces the value of hard work and dedication. This motivates individuals to continue their involvement in sports.

7. Long-Term Engagement: By fostering a positive and inclusive environment, focusing on participation encourages long-term engagement in sports and physical activities. Participants are more likely to continue their involvement when they find joy and fulfillment in the experience.

8. Life Skills Development: Sports offer valuable life skills such as discipline, perseverance, leadership, and resilience. Emphasizing participation allows individuals to develop these skills, which extend beyond the sports arena and benefit various aspects of their lives.

9. Enhancing Overall Enjoyment: Ultimately, prioritizing participation contributes to the overall enjoyment of sports and activities for individuals involved, making the experience more fulfilling and rewarding.

10. Physical and Mental Health: CRHC places a high value on the well-being of its members, recognizing the interconnectedness of physical and mental health. By prioritizing both aspects, the club aims to create an environment that promotes holistic wellness and supports its members in achieving their personal best, not only in hockey but also in their overall health and life satisfaction.

Croydon Hockey Club (CHC) was established in 1954 with a C East men's Team after meetings in private homes in 1952 and 53.

The closest Club to Croydon at the time was Camberwell a good forty minutes away by car and closer to sixty by train. Finding sufficient interest an approach was made to the Lilydale Shire Council, who were the municipality responsible for the town of Croydon at that time.

CHC was formed and registered with the Victorian Hockey Association (VHA) in 1954. Lilydale Council allocated a piece of land between Springfield Ave and the main Croydon oval . This paddock, as it was then, ran along side the Tarralla creek which ran through Croydon. It was very deep more than 3 meters , more like an open drain that flooded after rains but generally carried ground water and waste waters. Some of the biggest rats I have see lived in this creek.

The new ground was measured and marked. Before each match the players bought their lawn mowers and mowed the back lines and circles. The collapsible nets , goal posts, flags and marking equipment were stored in John and Mary Davies' garage in Springfield Avenue, which was then an unmade dirt road. The equipment was carried over the paddock across the bridge over Tarralla Creek into Croydon park before each match them back after the game.

On wet days the field was a quagmire with the Croydon players showering at the Davies after the match . There were no facilities at the ground. CHC players were not able to use the football facilities as they were for the footballers use only. The Davies has only one shower in a small bath room as well as it being closer to the ground . The hot water regularly ran out in the Davies on Winter Saturdays. The home matches were followed by Mary's afternoon tea and hot drink which was greatly appreciated.

From this difficult beginning in 1954 so the Club grew to one of more than 20 teams including men's , women's and many underage in its peak in the late 1970s through the 80s. By then Croydon had become a municipality in 1971 , with the Club being allocated first land behind Fibermakers in Bayswater then an area next to the Lilydale railway line. These new grounds were at the Silcock reserve. This reserve was named after a former Croydon Councillor and head master of the Croydon High School. In time four grounds were developed with change rooms, storage area and hot showers at Silcock.

This move to Silcock took place in 1978. CHC moved from this reserve in 1994 when artificial turf grounds were introduced. Croydon was unable to gain the Croydon Councils support to putting in a artificial surface so was forced to merge with Knox in 1998. This lost Croydon its local identity and started a gradual decline .The CHC played first as a tenant at Doncaster then moved to the a new ground built in Knox in 1997 as a joint facility between the Croydon and Knox Clubs.

An agreement was reached to merge between the two clubs Croydon and Knox in 1997 and a new club called Eastern Hockey Club was formed in 1998.

Croydon has had over the years much success in winning premierships and being known as a wonderful family based club.

In 2012 discussions started with some past players and supported by the VHA the Club was reformed in 2015 being successful with a premiership in its first year.

Since then, teams have won premierships in 2016, 2018 and 2023.