The regional home of the northern game

The Northern Counties Rink Hockey Association is the regional governing body for rink hockey across the north of England. We organise league and cup competitions for member clubs, support the development of new players and officials and represent the northern game within England Roller Hockey, the national governing body.

Rink hockey, also known as roller hockey or hardball hockey, is a fast five a side sport played on quad skates with a stick and ball. The northern game has deep roots. Clubs from the region have competed since the early decades of the sport in England and the association exists to keep that tradition alive while opening the rink to new families every season.

The Northern Counties is a hot bed for rink hockey. From Middlesbrough to Manchester you will not be far from a club if you are based up north. Our member clubs train in sports halls across Yorkshire, the North West, the North East and Lincolnshire, with Plymouth RHC also competing in our competitions. Between them they field teams from the youngest juniors through to Premier League level.

Some of those clubs go back a very long way. Middlesbrough RHC was first formed in 1947 and Grimsby RHC in 1973. Both are still producing players who go on to represent England. The association runs a season of tournament weekends hosted by member clubs, a knockout cup and representative opportunities for players selected into regional squads.

The association is run entirely by volunteers. A committee elected at the annual general meeting handles competitions, finance, safeguarding and refereeing. Anyone with an interest in the sport can stand. The committee meets through the season and publishes its minutes in the documents library.

We take our duty of care seriously. Every member club adopts the association safeguarding policy, every coach and team official holds an up to date check and safeguarding is a standing role on the committee. Parents can read every policy in full on the constitution and policies page.

If you are new to the sport the best first step is a visit to a club near you. Sessions are friendly, kit is lent freely and first skates are always welcome. Start with the club directory or read new to rink hockey for a plain guide to the game.