Clydesdale Hockey Club, nestled in the vibrant Southside of Glasgow, is on the brink of securing two Guinness World Records pending verification. The club asserts they’ve achieved feats in both the longest recorded game of field hockey and the highest number of participants in a single match.
Commencing at the crack of dawn on May 24th, the club embarked on an ambitious endeavor, persisting for an impressive 60 consecutive hours until 8pm on May 26th. This Herculean effort appears to surpass the previous record held by Chelmsford Hockey Club in Essex since 2016, who played for a duration of 56 hours, 18 minutes, and 45 seconds.
Moreover, on May 25th, Clydesdale orchestrated a monumental match featuring a staggering 420 players, surpassing the earlier benchmark set by Warwick Hockey Club in 2017 with 367 participants.
Remarkably, the age range of participants spanned from a sprightly nine-year-old to a seasoned 78-year-old, underscoring the inclusive nature of the record-breaking event.
Traditionally, a field hockey match involves two teams of 11 players each competing against one another. However, Clydesdale’s monumental match transcended conventional boundaries, encapsulating the spirit of camaraderie and sporting excellence.
Reflecting on the arduous but exhilarating experience, Derek Linden, a stalwart player in the club who oversaw the challenges, recounted the euphoria of reaching the 8am milestone: “It was tortuous and a complex process, but when that 8am timer came up, the elation was completely palpable.”
Linden noted the remarkable resilience displayed by players, expressing disbelief at their boundless energy and lauding the captivating spectacle they presented. Emotions ran high as players, overcome with a sense of achievement, exchanged embraces and tears of joy on the pitch.
A meticulous operation, the record attempts were meticulously supervised by Linden, with approximately 57 witnesses and 45 umpires present to authenticate the feat. Each participant provided a witness statement, meticulously documenting substitutions and changes throughout the grueling contest.
In anticipation of Guinness World Records’ validation, the club has diligently compiled three folders of documentation from witnesses and umpires, poised to cement their place in history.
Beyond the record-breaking endeavors, the club’s altruistic endeavors extend to fundraising initiatives for a new playing surface. With a Just Giving page already amassing an impressive £15,000, the club is well on its way to realizing its goal. Additional funds are expected from bake sales and other activities held on the day.
Derek Linden emphasized the transformative impact of the new playing surface, emphasizing its significance not only for hockey but for the broader community. He envisions the upgraded facility as a hub for various sporting and social activities, fostering inclusivity and community cohesion.
Anticipated to host premier league hockey matches and cater to Clydesdale’s diverse women’s, men’s, and junior hockey teams, the new playing surface promises to be a cornerstone of sporting excellence and community engagement.
As the club gears up for future fundraising events, the indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication exhibited in their record-breaking achievements serve as a testament to their commitment to excellence on and off the field.
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