Glenn Paton, the World Masters Hockey president, says higher standards have been delivered in terms of what the sport can achieve at future major competitions.
Nottingham is one of three Masters World Cups taking place before the year end, suggesting that the sport is flourishing with a vibrant masters community.
Speaking at the Nottingham World Cup, where The Hockey Paper is a media partner, Paton said: “It’s been extremely positive with the feedback and it would appear that we have raised the bar and that’s what we are looking for.
“If you can do that then Masters hockey is taken more seriously and that’s what it’s all about.”
From 2007, there were just over a dozen teams competing at Masters level, now there are around 250 teams and rising playing at World Cups, with every continent in attendance at the Nottingham showpiece.
“As it grew,” said Paton, “the national associations, then the FIH began to take notice and get involved.
“There’s more recognition now that Masters hockey offers something for everyone and that’s what I’m seeing.”
Asked what his takeaway would be for the Nottingham event, Paton said the development of the countries getting more Masters players involved in both genders, plus potential commercial interest was critical. “Right now we are enjoying it,” added Paton, who took as WMH president in 2020.
