Hockey

This month, on 2nd and 3rd November, it’s the GB Hockey Olympic Qualifiers at Lee Valley.

The GB Women are the current Olympic Gold medallists and since then, hockey has become more and more popular to watch as well as play.

Have you heard of the FIH ProLeague? It’s returning again next year. Here are the best GB moments from 2019.

With thanks to GB Hockey for the use of this video.

Hockey is a sport for boys and girls equally. We have set out the ways you can get involved below whether you’re a beginner or already playing as well as some great skills videos from the GB players.

With thanks to GB Hockey for the use of this video.

Beginners:

Aged 5-8

This is a new 6 week programme to introduce kids to hockey.

It costs £32 and includes a personalised shirt, 2 hockey sticks, a ball and stickers.

Visit www.hockeyheroes.co.uk for more details.

Aged 7-11

Quicksticks

No Goalkeepers

Quicksticks does not include goalkeepers making it safe, accessible, cost and time-effective.

Fewer Players

Quicksticks is played 4-a-side offering all players full involvement and increased playing time.

Fewer Stoppages

Many rules from full 11-a-side hockey have been taken out or simplified to make Quicksticks easier to deliver and play. This also results in fewer stoppages meaning more playing time.

(Thanks to England Hockey)

To find out more take a look at www.playquicksticks.co.uk

Find a local club who will have this programme as part of their junior training.

Visit http://www.englandhockey.co.uk/page_noside.aspsection=2146&sectionTitle=Play+Hockey+%2D+Find+a+Club

Aged 10-14

In2Hockey is a secondary school pupils hockey programme.

You play 6 a side without a goalie or 7 a side with a goalie.

As with Quicksticks, if you visit the link below to find a club, they will have the In2hockey programme for this age group.

http://www.englandhockey.co.uk/page_noside.aspsection=2146&sectionTitle=Play+Hockey+%2D+Find+a+Club

With thanks to GB Hockey for the use of this video.

Advanced

Club finder www.greatbritainhockey.co.uk and click on Play. This will take you to a club finder where you can put in your postcode, how far you’re prepared to travel, teen or junior, boy or girl.

If you’re particularly talented, the club can then lead you on to the GB Player Pathway. This helps players to be the best they can be.

With thanks to GB Hockey for the use of this video.

Flyerz

Find your nearest club here: https://www.accesssport.org.uk/flyerz-sessions-and-events.

With thanks to Flyerz for the use of this video.

Interview

With thanks to Greys for the use of this video.

We have been very lucky to speak to GB Hockey player Sam Ward?

Q and A: Sam Ward

Hi Sam. How old were you when you first started playing hockey?

I started playing hockey when I was 4 years old.

Did you enjoy the sport straight away?

I certainly did, you could not get my stick out my hand.

Which other sports did you play at that age?

Cricket and football

When did you realise that you wanted to focus on hockey?

At the age of 14 when I had to make a decision to go to hockey training or cricket einter nets.

You’re known as a brilliant goal scorer – what’s the most enjoyable goal you’ve ever scored?

The goal that won us bronze at the commonwealth games in 2018

What make of stick do you play with?

I play with a grays SW13

Where is your favourite place to play hockey?

I would say Holland, they love there hockey there and the crowds are incredible.

Have you had to overcome many challenges in your career?

I have had numerous injuries and setbacks, early on I was no wear near fit enough so would not get selected, so had to work very hard to get in the team. I also missed the world cup last year with concussion.