Telford Wrekin Raiders

Wrekin Raiders were formed in October of 1988, there were originally about 20 players, of which only a lucky few had any kit to speak of. There are three of those who were at the first training session still current members with one other who joined soon after, It was 11 months  later before we embarked on our first game and from this into our first league season, the first League game was against Oxford, the reigning league champions!! we lost 11- 0. We did gain a victory and a draw in that first season and it was a very steep learning curve, in those days ladies hockey was full contact and just because we were new to the game certainly did not ensure we were shown any mercy!

We progressed over the next couple of seasons.  The league was split from a single to a Premier, Division 1 South and Division 1 North, which is were we found ourselves. By 91/92 season, we had improved and made 3rd place in the division.  We then went on to win the League for the next two seasons, reaching the National play offs and missing promotion to the Premier Division in 92/93 by one goal.  By the following season we made Premier.

We remained in the Premier Division for 3 seasons, making the play offs once.  However, with the loss of our coach and a number of experienced players, we could not maintain our Premier status.

Since then it has been a very up and down time for Raiders.  This season we seem to be getting it together again and are currently second in the League and are working hard to make sure we make the National play offs at least.

Over the years we have been lucky enough to play in tournaments in France, and at the England Ladies Friendship tournament we have won the Fair Play Trophy on each of the four occasions we have played.  We have also hosted two games from Burlington touring teams, one in 1993 & again in 1999.

Raiders have had 2 players representing Great Britain, 3 representing Scotland - including 2 in the current squad, and a number of the younger players either have or still  do represent the boys junior teams playing in Telford from under 10 up to 19 level.

Raiders info.....

I'm not 100% sure when it started but it was a long time ago 'The Dive'  - Watch out for this one when the Raiders win...it's fairly self explanatory

Raiders Wrinkly - any Raider aged 25 or over - 3 in traveling squad

Raiders Crinkly - any Raider aged 50 or over (includes supporters!)