Merger of Tower Hamlets Cricket & Hockey Club

Tower Hamlets Cricket Club and Tower Hamlets Hockey Club have officially merged to form the Tower Hamlets Cricket & Hockey Club (THCHC), marking a significant milestone in the community’s sporting landscape.

The merger was celebrated with a small ceremony at the CKC Community Hub in Whitechapel.

Both clubs, established in 2009 and 2016 respectively, have been dedicated to promoting cricket and hockey within the local community. The event was attended by club members, the Chair of ELHC, local councillors, and Councillor Golam Kibria, cabinet member for health, wellbeing, and social care, among others.

Chairman of the new merger Shahidul Alam Ratan said, “This exciting merger brings together two dynamic organizations with a shared vision of expanding opportunities for young people and adults to participate in both sports. Cricket will be offered during the summer and hockey during the winter, allowing the club to provide year-round activities, grow its membership base, and strengthen community engagement.”

Both sports clubs will collaborate with their respective governing bodies to ensure opportunities are available for all community members to engage in recreational team sports. Each club will retain its own independent committee, while THCHC will serve as the umbrella organization, offering support in logistics, venue management, event organization, fundraising, and more.

By pooling resources and volunteers, THCHC aims to address health and wellbeing disparities within Tower Hamlets, ensuring all residents, regardless of age, have access to sports. The club is committed to nurturing talent in both cricket and hockey, helping individuals reach their full potential while also providing a welcoming space for recreational players.

A key element of this merger is the focus on education through sports. THCHC will offer life skills workshops, training courses, and employment preparation programs to equip young people with valuable skills in sports and beyond. Additionally, the merger will create new volunteering opportunities, enriching the local community through meaningful experience and service.

Committee members, players, and volunteers from both clubs were present at the merger event, marking this momentous occasion.