City of York Hockey Club was founded in 1997/98 as a result of the merger of the two largest clubs in the City of York, York Hockey Club and York Trojans Hockey Club, whose origins can be traced back to the 1890s and 1920s respectively. By combining the established structure and material resources of the York club with the youth development policy and coaching skills of York Trojans, together with the high standard and playing skills of their top players, the City of York Hockey Club was formed.

With many young girls being part of the youth development policy, the next step was to invite York Ladies Hockey Club to become incorporated in the structure and this took place three years later.

In 2007, the Club pursued another merger, that with York St John University Hockey Club. This provided the students with an opportunity to play at a level suitable to the individual and enabled the Club to enjoy an influx of vibrant and lively young people.

Now, each weekend, City of York Hockey Club puts out five ladies' teams, 10 men's teams (plus another two indoor men's teams) and two mixed teams, all playing a combination of league, cup and friendly matches. In addition, there are over 24 youth teams who take part in county, district and regional league competitions. During the week, coaching and training sessions take place for senior players and as many as 280 youngsters. Home activities are played on a number of synthetic astro-turf pitches in close proximity to the Elmpark Way Clubhouse.

England Hockey's “ClubsFirst Accreditation” and “Club-School Links”

City of York Hockey Club became the first club in North Yorkshire, the fourth in Yorkshire and only the tenth in the North of England when, on 17th March 2006, it received England Hockey's ClubsFirst Award (Sport England's “Clubmark” Scheme). This represents a significant milestone for the City of York HC and recognises the Club's commitment to providing a safe, effective and child friendly hockey environment. Furthermore, it is recognition of the Club's management, organisation and policy of promoting and developing hockey in the area. Following this achievement, the Club's youth section gained England Hockey's formal Club-School Link status late in 2006, one of the first in England to do so. Two such links currently exist. The Club’s ClubsFirst status was successfully renewed in May 2009.