The 2018/19 hockey season sees Stratford Men's 2s play in an Open League structure for the first time in their history. Simply, this means the 2nd team will not be restricted to playing only 2nd team opposition. They will have the opportunity to play other men's 1st teams or even 3rd teams depending on the playing standard and size of the opposition (in terms of playing numbers).

This year, Stratford are in Tier 2 (West Mids) of the Midlands Open League. Below are the teams Stratford will face:

University of Birmingham 3     
Solihull Blossomfield 1     
Barford Tigers 2     
Edgbaston 2     
Stratford 2     
Olton & West Warwick 3     
Old Silhillians 1     
Bridgnorth 2     
Sutton Coldfield 2
Worcester 2
Lichfield 3
Cannock 3

Stratford will be looking forward to playing new teams such as University of Birmingham 3s, Solihull 1s, Olton 3s, Old Sils 1s, Lichfield 3s and Cannock 3s.

Looking forward, the reward of promotion means Stratford could potentially work their way through the 'tiers' of the Midlands League and end up in a tier/division normally restricted to men's first teams. Of course, in the upper echelons of the Midlands League the standard is phenomenal, but it provides opportunity for an aspirational club like Stratford.

Nick Russell will be the new captain for this season, and being one of the most experienced members of the team will no doubt create a fantastic team structure and camaraderie.