The Beginnings of Hockey in 1930s Galicia (Spain): A Female Phenomenon

Abstract

This article considers the early days of field hockey in Galicia from the perspective of a female phenomenon, as in this region women's teams emerged before those of their male counterparts. The fact that women were the first to play field hockey in Galicia, and formed the driving force behind this sport in the north-west of the Iberian Peninsula offers an interesting insight into the phenomenon of sport in 1930s Spain. The prevalence of Galician hockey teams and the presence of Galician players in international competitions provide ample evidence for this research. This article discusses the history of field hockey in Galicia, taking into account the influences of precursors. It also analyses the socialising aspect for women of participation in clubs and other activities related to hockey, as well as the role of sport in the creation of female sporting identities and the initiatives led by the women themselves. The text includes images with the objective of making the protagonists of the dissemination of women's sport in Spain more visible.