Scottish Thistles Masters Hockey Club aims to provide a vast mix of playing opportunities in the UK, Europe and across the international arena in friendlies, competitive festivals and the World Masters Hockey layer below full National known as Spirit of Masters. Thistles events are for both men and women from age of 35 up to, well, any age. Age groups from sixties upwards have long-thriving international and festival events - both Men and Ladies. Lately we've establish our 55s and 50s as the offering for international events to those not selected for full National. This initiative is spreading down the age groups.
Our aim is two fold:
- Encourage and organise playing opportunities for all Masters age players. For many of us Saturday club matches means playing against precocious youngsters, boundless students and enthusiatic others of considerably less than our age. This does not give a true measure as only by playing amongst equals can we show just how capable each of us continues to be. Thistles presents that opportunity.
- Play across the globe against other countries' international B teams and Spirit of Masters teams at the various age groupings.
The Thistles ethos is to give opportunities to all those wishing to play. Those who can are also encouraged to go for International trial whilst still enjoying hockey in Thistles' events. Overall we want to play well whilst having great fun so that all members continue playing on into eternity.
Contact the club through the secretary, John Lees: secretary@scottishthistleshockey.org
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Membership Information
Players of all levels are welcome to join Scottish Thistles Masters Hockey Club (Thistles) from those who have many full National caps through those who are still members of a Saturday playing club to those resting having become sore or fed up chasing youngsters in matches.
Nationality is not a barrier: if you want to play for Scottish Thistles you can. Membership of other Spirit of Masters clubs (e.g. England LX) is not a restriction, nor is being part of an international team or organisation such as Scottish Masters Hockey. Umpires and non-playing members are most welcome as are wives and partners accompanying players on tour.
Playing Membership is open to all players, male and female, aged 35 or over during the calendar year. We also have an Associate Membership for umpires, friends and colleagues for which there is no charge.
The membership and Scottish Hockey "years" do not match up:
- - Qualification for an age group is governed by World Masters Hockey (WMH) and based on turning the qualifying age (e.g. 64 becoming 65 is a 65) during the calendar year of the competition.
- - Thistles membership runs from 1st January and autorenews each year until you advise us otherwise.
- - Scottish Hockey registration is from 1st September each year to align with their normal league season.
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People and Structure
Thistles is run by an Executive Committee and a bunch of volunteers - some willing, some even more willing.
Click here for details of the people and the structure of Thistles
Click here for an updated message from new President Ian McCreath
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History of the Club
The Club was established nearly 25 years ago as Scotland LX.
Click here for information on how the club came about.
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Frequently Asked Questions
There is useful information on th FAQs and by going to the Members Area on the main menu.
Click here for a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs)
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Forms, Policies and Procedures
Many of the internal forms and policies can be accessed here and from other pages.
Click here to go to the Members Area which has all the forms and procedures