In recognition of Blackheath Hockey Club's status as the oldest hockey club in the world, global sports clothing manufacturer Asics has named its performance astroturf shoe after the club that created the sport of hockey - the Gel Blackheath.
Formed in 1861, Blackheath Hockey Club played its first matches in Blackheath in South East London on a location close the The Princess of Wales public house on the heath, near to Pond Road. Teams of 20 or more players partook in a rougher version on the sport that we know of today - each side sporting either a red or a blue cap to denote their team. Blackheath Hockey Club regularly meets at the same location where the sport was created 146 years ago.
"The GEL Blackheath is an entirely new purpose-built shoe for hockey. With a multi-studded configuration for all over grip including 'Push Off' studs at the front, exposed rear foot GEL and forefoot GEL, SpEVA 55 Lasting, gusseted tongue and removeable sockliner, the GEL Blackheath is destined to be a great success for all hockey players" state Asics.
Blackheath Hockey Club Men's Chairman, Steve Miller comments: "We are absolutely delighted that Asics is honouring our club's heritage by producing this great product. The fact that the shoe features in our club colours of blue and red is the sort of touch that our founding members would have been proud of".
Further information about the Asics gel Blackheath shoe can be found at the Asics site: http://www.asics.co.uk/Sports/Product.htm?dbid=53133
The Gel Blackheath shoes, along with all other club kit, can be purchased in Furley & Baker, Blackheath Village, London.
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