Lee Valley Vampires women’s ice hockey team are set to make their debut this weekend.

The Vampires aim to give more women and those who feel most at home in women’s spaces the chance to play competitive ice hockey in London in the Women's National Ice Hockey League Division Two.

The team trains every Wednesday evening at the new £30 million, twin rink Lee Valley Ice Centre, which is owned by Lee Valley Regional Park Authority and run by GLL, a charity and worker-owned business under the brand Better.

The Vampires are looking for new players to join, whether you’re experienced or just starting out. The team is focused on creating a supportive, inclusive environment while helping women’s ice hockey grow in the UK.

Gavin Pearce, General Manager of Lee Valley Ice Centre, said: "We're really happy to support the start of the Lee Valley Vampires. It's a big step for women's ice hockey and we're proud to offer a place where the sport can grow and people from the local community can try this exciting sport.

"Our stunning new Lee Valley Ice Centre, which opened to the public in June 2023 is committed to breaking down barriers and introducing new audiences to sports as part of a £1.25m community engagement programme funded by the London Borough of Waltham Forest and Lee Valley Regional Park Authority.

"This has already seen over 10,000 young people enjoy free ice skating and a range of community initiatives such as crime prevention courses, mental health and wellbeing programmes and biodiversity awareness programmes.”

Lee Valley Vampires’ first game of the season will be a home match against Chelmsford Pythons on Saturday October 26 at Lee Valley Ice Centre, with the game starting at 5.30pm and the public welcome to watch.

For more information on joining the team or attending games, visit https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/lee-valley/ice-centre.