HOCKEY IN GIBRALTAR

The Gibraltar Hockey Association (GHA) was founded in 1948 although hockey was being played prior to this under the British military forces based in Gibraltar. It was formed as the Civilian Hockey Association and a year later changed its name to The Gibraltar Hockey Association.

The Association had been a predominantly men’s hockey association up until the mid nineties when ladies hockey was introduced and a league competition was established.

This Association of approximately 250 hockey players (both men and women) amongst a population of 30000 inhabitants has certainly made its mark in International Hockey.

Gibraltar Hockey has a great tradition in European Hockey becoming members in 1969 and participating in the European Club Championship qualifiers that year. There have been a number of highlights in Gibraltar’s European exploits such as winning the B and C Divisions at club level and playing in the A Division in no less than 4 occasions. The greatest achievement however was in 1978 when Gibraltar qualified for the European Nations Cup Finals held in Hanover and although finishing in Twelfth position it was a great achievement.

In more recent times also at National level, Gibraltar has enjoyed success at the Mediterranean Cups in 1999 and 200.  It was here where Gibraltar won silver and bronze medal respectively.

Over the many years, Gibraltar has hosted a good number of European Tournaments and can boast of a National Hockey Stadium with an excellent water based surface.

The Gibraltar Hockey Association is also proud to have had and still has a number of FIH International Umpires, Technical Director, Umpire Manager and Judges.  One of our greatest achievements in this area was to have our most prestigious umpire nominated to umpire in the Olympic Games in London 2012, Rio in 2016 and being awarded umpire of the year in 2015.

Gibraltar has also a strong junior base which will keep the sport progressing into the future.