THE University of Bradford Hockey Club have merged with Bradford Hockey Club – after withdrawal of funding by the Student Union and plans to tear up the team's pitches left the club's future in jeopardy.

The Telegraph & Argus reported in June that a refusal by the Student Union to finance the club to previous levels had limited their league options, with only British Universities & Colleges Sport participation being funded and not the Yorkshire League.

Despite efforts to raise the estimated £6,000 required to cover the costs of continuing to run the club in the same manner, the decision was taken to amalgamate with Bradford Hockey Club.

BUHC president Frances Tarren expressed her delight at the move after the fundraising campaign could only raise £500.

She said: "It wasn't much but we've put it towards a charity. Everyone is really happy with it.

"We're all still playing hockey, which is the main aim, and we're still playing in the Yorkshire League, which is very important as we can help develop players and give them playing time.

"It's been proven before that this works – you only have to look at the Leeds Gryphons to see that.

"It benefits us to combine with them because their structure is already set up and it gives us stability for the years to come without having to find all that money every year."

As well as the financial issues, BUHC were in danger of having nowhere to play after the university revealed plans to redevelop the pitches at Laisteridge Lane.

"It's being converted into a 3G pitch, which we can't play on, so merging with BHC ensures that we'll have a place to train and play," said Tarren.

"We're very grateful to BHC. They've been extremely helpful."

The move will ensure that the university team can continue to play their own BUCS fixtures, while also competing in the Yorkshire League through BHC's own teams, according to BHC club president Paul Bateson.

"The students will join as Bradford University players, have a team with only university players and play in their usual BUCS league games," said 60-year-old Bateson.

"But they will also play in the club's teams alongside our own players, picked according to their skill.

"This was the best option for both parties. We've actually been trying to join with the university sides for around 15 years."

Bateson, who has been president at BHC for over 12 years, said that the financial implications for the incoming student players have been taken into account.

"We've had to structure fees accordingly for them to register and be insured with our club so that it's not too onerous for them since they have to join their own student union sports society too," he explained.

Both the men's and women's teams play in their respective Northern Fourth Divisions of the Yorkshire League.