The wait is nearly over. After an unforgettable summer of international hockey, including a thrilling World Cup, attention now turns back to the domestic game as the 2026/27 England Hockey League Premier Division gets underway.
With reigning champions looking to defend their titles, exciting new signings arriving across the league and fresh faces stepping up to the top flight, the stage is set for another brilliant Premier Division campaign. A vast range of Grays Hockey athletes will once again be at the heart of the action, and they are all backing the Grays Hockey 26/27 Product Range.
1. Men's Open Premier Division
Old Georgians begin the campaign as the team to beat after securing the Premier Division title last season. One of their standout performers was Team Grays athlete Henry Croft, who bagged 17 goals during the campaign. Croft will be using the Grays Hockey JB10 as he looks to lead another title charge and continue to compete as one of the league’s most dangerous forwards.
Wimbledon came agonisingly close in last season’s final and will be determined to go one better this time around. Inject Hockey founders Alex Sheldon and Louis Tipper remain key figures in their title ambitions, combining the control of the JB8 with the comfort and grip of the Grays Hockey Raid 3.0 throughout the campaign.
Surbiton are once again expected to be among the league's leading contenders. After a near perfect season last year, they'll be eager to lift the trophy. Tommy Austin’s creativity makes him one of the division’s standout attacking talents, with English and Welsh senior international players Will Calnan and Gareth Furlong bringing quality and experience to the squad. All three are backing the popular JB8 this season.
Two new clubs will be looking to make an immediate impression in the top flight. University of Exeter and Bowdon have both earned promotion to the Premier Division and will be eager to test themselves against the country's best. With nothing to lose, both sides could spring a few surprises this season.
Pictured - Henry Croft - Old Georgians & Ava Findlay - Surbiton
2. Women's Premier Division
On the women's side, defending champions Surbiton have added further quality to an already impressive squad with the arrivals of Ava Findlay and Lizzy Pocknell who join from Durham University following their impressive run last season. Both players will be taking the JB8 into the new campaign as they look to help Surbiton remain at the top of English hockey.
Among the teams hoping to challenge them will be Wimbledon, who claimed silver at Finals Weekend and will be targeting a return to the top. Wimbledon's squad features a host of Grays Hockey athletes, including Scotland’s captain Sarah Robertson (DB10) alongside Scottish teammate Charlotte Watson (JB10), as well as England’s Fiona Crackles (DB9+) and Becky Manton (JB8) adding quality to their attacking threat – with all 4 athletes backing the Grays Hockey 26/27 Hockey Shoe range.
Hampstead & Westminster will also fancy their chances after securing a third-place finish last season. Holly Hunt remains one of the division’s most exciting attacking players, and she will be controlling the midfield using the DB10, alongside fellow Grays Hockey athletes Lucy Hyams and Sofia Martin.
East Grinstead will also be targeting a move up the table this season. With England internationals Lily Walker & Alex Malzer (both using PB10), and their teammates Tess Howard (AC Zero) and Grace Balsdon (JB10) all representing Team Grays, they have no shortage of quality and experience throughout the squad.
The Women's Premier Division also welcomes two new clubs this season. Teddington and Buckingham have both earned their place among the elite and will be looking to establish themselves in the top tier from the outset.
3. A Season to Watch
As ever, Grays Hockey athletes will be at the heart of the game throughout the season, representing many of the league's leading clubs. Whether they are challenging for titles, for European qualification, or looking to establish themselves in the top flight, Grays Hockey athletes will once again be at the heart of some of the season's biggest stories. We'll be following the journey of our athletes throughout the campaign and celebrating their successes along the way.
Bring on the 2026/27 England Hockey League Premier Division.
