Gothard himself represented Staffordshire in the Minor Counties Championship in 1927. He was an able rugby player but as a result of injury took to playing hockey instead. He was captain of Burton Hockey Club from 1933 to 1939.
In 1927, Gothard represented Staffordshire in the Minor Counties Championship. Although he excelled at rugby, a knee injury forced him to switch to hockey. From 1933 to 1939, he was the captain of Burton Hockey Club.