CHRIS Longmore has insisted Kidderminster Hockey Club are still going strong despite several testing years.

The chairman has moved to quash rumours the club had folded.

They still have a strong ladies team in the County League, while the men are involved in friendlies this season after pulling out of the Midlands League because of a shortage of players.

However, Kidderminster are planning to regroup next season and to re-start their junior section.

The club has endured a testing period. They were forced to move from their pitch at Kings Charles I School, who replaced the aging Astroturf site with a football only surface.

Kidderminster now play on the pitches at Stourport Sport Club.

“It’s important people know that Kidderminster Hockey Club is still going, as there were rumours going around we had folded,” Longmore said. “Unfortunately, the men’s team had players pull out because of injury and university and we had to pull out of the league.

“But we’re working hard to make sure the club starts to build.

“The most important thing is the junior section. We lost a lot of players to Stourport because of the poor state of the pitch at King Charles.

“There are no hockey pitches in Kidderminster and no schools playing the sport which is very worrying.”

Anyone interested in playing for Kidderminster Hockey Club, which is still based on Chester Road, can call Longmore on 07811 334387.