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Want to study and play hockey in the USA? This UK coaching camp is a key showcase

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Want to study and play hockey in the USA? This UK coaching camp is a key showcase

MT13 have teamed up with Repton Hockey Club to develop and deliver a new, unique US Showcase.

The three-day Residential Camp will attract the very best 14 to 17-year-old female players from across the UK and Europe, who want to further their education and hockey in America. You can also claim 10% off with the code THP10 at checkout and you will need to book by Oct 31 at the latest.

Across the three days they will be assessed by around 20 different US University coaches, from prestigious Ivy League and non-Ivy League Division 1 US Universities

They will include: Harvard University, Boston University, Ball State, Wake Forest, Syracuse University, University of New Hampshire, University of Louisville, UCONN, University of Maryland, Saint Joseph’s University and The University of Iowa.

Players will also have the opportunity to gain an understanding of what it takes to both study and play sport at the top University level in the US directly from players from Stanford, Harvard, Princeton, Louisville and Iowa.

In the last four years, Martin Jones and Matt Taylor (US Showcase directors) have been involved in the development of over 20 players who have played Division 1 NCAA hockey, the top division in the USA.

US coaches will be able to assess players under conditioned exercises, match play and physical testing. There will also be specific goalkeeper sessions and a post-grad players section. At the end of the Residential Showcase, each player will have access to a high quality showreel with footage from the Residential Showcase combined with footage they have provided. These showreels will also be available for the player to engage with a wide range of US coaches.

This residential camp gives US coaches more time to interact with players (in accordance with NCAA rules) allowing the US coaches to build a more in-depth profile of players, and for players to understand the application process in more detail and playing and studying in the US.

The lowdown

Duaration: 3 Days / 2 Nights 

Dates: December 12-14

For who: Outfield players and goalkeepers 

Venue: Repton School 

Match play: 11 v 11 daily matches 

Please visit mt13.co.uk for more info, prices and to BOOK YOUR PLACE

You can claim 10% off the final price with the code THP10 at checkout

Need to book by the October 31 at the latest

‘The Home’: MT13’s new state-of-the-art hockey training facility

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‘The Home’: MT13’s new state-of-the-art hockey training facility

Welcome to ‘The Home’, the new state-of-the-art training facility for coaching company MT13.

The Hockey Paper went to The Home to speak to Matt Taylor about what gave him the passion to coach hockey, which high-profile Olympians he has worked with, and how the company is seeking to have a bigger impact in the coming years, by starting a coach development programme alongside the player sessions.

For a company renowned for its tireless commitment to innovation, Taylor, the former England international, has built a successful coaching company, which includes residential and elite residential camps.

The indoor venue is believed to be the only one of its kind in the UK.

Measuring 40m x 20m and fully laid with artificial turf, it has two goals, two D’s, and equipped with an impressive range of coaching aids including ball machines, heavy hockey skill balls, skill hurdles, goal banners to enhance shooting accuracy, rebound walls and inflatable defenders.

These aids bring fun to the sessions, challenging the players and honing their skills.

The Home is also rigged with a sophisticated camera system allowing for immediate touchscreen analysis. It is ideal for one-to-one coaching sessions which don’t require a full pitch.

This new format enables players to have a bespoke session designed for them focussing on specific areas they wish to develop. These sessions can be shared by up to four players. In addition Small Group Sessions are also available for up to 16 players.

You can book sessions with MT13 here

Australian hockey player Tom Craig banned for 12 months

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Australian hockey player Tom Craig banned for 12 months

Olympian Tom Craig has been suspended for 12 months by Hockey Australia (HA) for attempting to buy cocaine at the Paris Olympics.

The HA integrity unit ruled that half of the sanction would be served fully from Sep 9, with the remainder fully suspended. This was provided that Craig met the governing body’s conduct and behavioural requirements.

The ban means that Craig, 29, will be unable to play in any match, tournament or event at any level sanctioned or organised by HA, including the Hockey One League and FIH Pro League.

The Kookaburra, twice an Olympian, will have to complete training and education programmes as part of his ban. He is still eligible for selection in next year’s national men’s hockey squad, set to be announced at the end of this year.

“His welfare remains our priority,” a HA statement said. “Tom has had access to all of the athlete support services under our program and he will continue to do so throughout his suspension.”

Craig spent a night in Paris custody after being arrested for buying a gram of cocaine in the French capital last month after the Kookaburras’s quarter-final defeat at Paris 2024 to eventual champions the Netherlands.

“I made a terrible mistake and I take full responsibility for my actions,” Craig said after being released without charge last month.

“My actions are my own and by no way reflect the values of my family, my teammates, my friends, my sport and the Australian Olympic team.

“I’ve embarrassed you all. I’m truly sorry.”

‘We are committed to ongoing support to Masters hockey players’

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‘We are committed to ongoing support to Masters hockey players’

Following concerns from Masters players over a change of kit manufacturer, England Hockey responds

Concerns regarding mandatory kit replacement costs

Following a rigorous tender process, Mizuno emerged as the most suitable partner to support all levels of the game, from grassroots to elite, including the Masters category. Recognising the importance of maintaining a unified brand identity, especially for Masters teams, it was decided that these teams would transition to Mizuno gear. 

The only mandatory items required were the on-field playing kit and one upper and one lower body item to establish team identity. To alleviate concerns, playing shirts were offered at a discounted rate, making them more affordable than previous Adidas shirts, while off-field item prices remained consistent with past arrangements. 

Fears over Mizuno kit quality and fit

We have been actively addressing concerns about the quality and fit of Mizuno kit as they have been brought to our attention, working closely with both players and Mizuno to resolve any issues. 

Transitioning to a new supplier after 14 years inevitably brings challenges, and we anticipated some initial difficulties. We have consulted extensively with Masters teams and Mizuno to refine and improve the kit range to better meet players’ needs. However, kit differences in suppliers has led to variations in fit and sizing, requiring some players to adjust their usual orders. We are committed to ongoing support to Masters players to choose the right size and fit for them.

Impact of costs on selection for Masters teams

We recognise that the additional costs associated with playing for Masters teams can be burdensome. To support our teams, we provide insurance and have collaborated with Masters teams on a new commercial strategy to attract individual and team sponsors, which has shown some success. 

It’s important to note that England Hockey retains rights to shirt branding and title sponsorship, which are part of our broader commercial portfolio. This is an ongoing challenge which International Masters teams across all sports have been faced with for many years.  

England Hockey’s funding comes from four primary sources: membership income, Sport England funding, UK Sport funding, and sponsorship. Government funding is ring-fenced and cannot be allocated to Masters activities, and membership income is directed towards non-Masters initiatives, including regular adult and junior competitions, grassroots activities, and equity, diversity, and inclusion projects. 

Currently, sponsorship income is not sufficient to support Masters activities. For context, sending 400 athletes to compete in Cape Town or New Zealand this year would cost approximately £40,000 if each player received just a £100 subsidy—a cost that no existing funding stream can cover. However, the hardship fund remains available to support any Masters players in financial need.

Katrina Powell stays on as Hockey Australia women’s coach

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Katrina Powell stays on as Hockey Australia women’s coach

Australian national women’s hockey coach Katrina Powell has extended her tenure in the role towards the LA 2028 Olympics as the sport also embarks on the construction of £68m High-Performance Centre of Excellence in Perth.

Hockey Australia’s president Ross Sudano said the news would ensure ongoing leadership stability for the Hockeyroos, who exited at the last eight stage at Paris 2024, and continue the positive culture that has developed strongly since she first took the reins in March 2021.

“Under the “well” component, Katrina has been a key driver in ensuring all recommendations from Hockey Australia’s review into the culture and leadership of the National Women’s High-Performance Program have been implemented. She has done a good job with the athletes to build a very positive team culture, where values of leadership, integrity and excellence are paramount.”

“With more funding going forward, we’ll have the environmental and physical resources required to support a high-performing team. We can also provide the Hockeyroos’ Head Coach with full-time assistant coaching, something Katrina hasn’t had across the last few years.

“It’s this level of support that is required to ensure the athletes have the adequate preparation needed to perform on the world stage.”  

GB’s Fiona Crackles and Australia’s Grace Young battle in Paris PIC: WORLDSPORTPICS FRANK UIJLENBROEK

Powell said she was focused on key areas that she knows will be critical on the road to the next Olympics in Los Angeles.  

“It’s important to continue to look at the data so we know what areas we need to focus on. We have access to this now, as well as greater access to more support and resources so it’s important to use this to ensure further growth and success,” she said.  

“The Hockeyroos are a brilliant group of talented, supportive and driven athletes. I am very proud and excited to be leading them through to the 2028 Olympics in LA.

“The team has come a long way since 2021 and I’m really proud of their ongoing commitment and development.”

‘It’s not kit we want to wear’: Masters hockey players reveal frustration over cost and restriction

Laura Howard
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‘It’s not kit we want to wear’: Masters hockey players reveal frustration over cost and restriction

England Hockey’s switch to kit manufacturers Mizuno is placing a significant financial burden on Masters players, an insider says.

While age group players in England U16s, U18s and U21s have been supplied with the new kit, Masters players have been told by England Hockey to buy the new kit themselves.

Each player received a discount on the playing shirt but was then given a kit list with additional items it is mandatory for them to have at full price.

“You’ve already spent £200 to £300, maybe more on Adidas kit, and then you’re being asked to spend the same again on Mizuno because England Hockey have decided to change the contract,” an insider told THP.

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Hockey Matters: The elite athlete is measured in practice

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Hockey Matters: The elite athlete is measured in practice

So, you want to be an elite athlete, or you believe you are one already. You expect to be a starting player and play every minute of each game. Review the following game situations…

1. The other team is getting the ball and preparing to do a push-in, so you decide to talk to your teammate, Megan, about what courses she has chosen for next semester.

2. We are preparing to take a penalty corner and since you are not directly involved in the corner, you have a conversation with Barb from the other team about last season’s semi-finals.

3. You mistrap the ball at mid-field, it deflects towards their forwards, and they move towards our goal. You are sincerely unhappy about your mistake, so you quietly swear to yourself, glare at your stick, and start jogging back towards your goal.

4. A defender from the other team attempts a tackle and smashes your stick. The ball goes off your foot. The umpire makes a call for the ball hitting your foot. You start and continue a discussion with the umpire while the other team takes the free hit.

5. During a lull in the game, you run over to the sideline to wipe some sweat off your brow, have a drink of water and then run back to your position.

If you have done any one of these or similar things in a game (let’s hope never #5), then you are not performing as the elite athlete. For those of us who believe we do not lose focus during a game, we must measure how we perform in practice because what we do in practice, we do in games. Review the above situations again and you may have done every one of them (or similar ones) in practice situations.

How the Elite Athlete practices at Match Intensity

A field hockey game consists of fifteen-minute quarters at competitive levels. During the half-time, we only have time to get water, obtain physio treatment if necessary and receive brief coaching instruction. During the quarter breaks, which are shorter than the half-time break, we have time for a drink and very brief coaching instruction if any.

The elite athlete adheres to these Match Intensity practice maxims:

1. He warms up for practice just as though he is going to play in the finals of a major event.

2. The core part of practice is conducted at the pace of the game, so he does not take any kind of break during this period unless he has an injury. He has drunk enough water before practice starts just as you do before a game, has securely tied their shoelaces, is wearing their shin pads, and has their mouth-guard ready to use.

3. He only takes the scheduled breaks as per in the game.

During a Match Intensity practice, the elite athlete follows these specific maxims:

1. When a drill is completed, she leaves the balls where they are and immediately starts running, not a leisurely jog or walk, around the perimeter of the practice area while the coaches set up the next drill. She does not wait for her friends and there is no idle chit-chat with anyone during the run. Game focus in maintained.

2. If she mistraps a ball, or makes a bad pass, or the shot at goal is bad, or the ball deflects off the goalkeeper, she “sprints” the complete distance and gets that ball. Then, she sprints back to the end of the line of the drill with the ball. She does not get another ball from another group, does not mess up another drill group by asking them to give her a ball, nor does anyone give her another ball to keep her going in the drill.

3. If she mistraps the ball or makes a bad pass, she is out of that phase of the drill and goes back to the end of the line with the other players doing the drill with her.

Your team does not continue with an attack if you breach the rules or lose possession. Why should you and your group continue the attack in a drill if you have breached the rules of the game or failed early on at the purpose of the drill?

The real game is unforgiving when we make a mistake. The elite athlete learns this in practice.

“We all love to win, but how many people love to train?”, Mark Spitz, who won seven Gold Medals, Munich Olympics 1972

Peter D’Cruz is the founder of the Hockey Curriculum for Players & Coaches

3G hockey woes continue on eve of season; council helps Notts club return

Hockey Paper staff
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3G hockey woes continue on eve of season; council helps Notts club return

Leeds based Boston Spa Hockey Club’s women division is folding ahead of the new season due to 3G issues.

The club’s pitch at Boston Spa Academy is being replaced by a 3G turf, with the women’s division hopeful of relocating to Wetherby High School.

Negotiations with the school and council fell through this month and the club can’t use the pitch as required.

The women’s division is a single team playing in Yorks & North East Div 1, with players coming from all over Yorkshire and the North East, very few being local to Boston Spa.  

READ MORE: 3G pitch plight: The clubs affected in the UK

Club member Helen Baron said: “The additional travel coupled with childcare constraints and some injuries, mean the other pitch locations that were available added too much travel time, that meant they weren’t sustainable for many players.”

“The players that want to continue playing are looking for teams more convenient to their location. The two men’s teams will continue and hopefully thrive, relocating to Energise at Acomb.”

Menwhile, Southwick HC and South Downs HC are losing their astro at Steyning Grammar School, West Sussex. The school is being rebuilt and the current astro is being turned into temporary classrooms. It will take four years to complete, before a 3G pitch is being put down.

Claire Bates, treasurer at South Downs HC, said: “We are in talks with England Hockey and interestingly have found out the DCMS has a target of installing 3G pitches countrywide. 3G is coming from the top down?”

Meanwhile, a local hockey club has been able to return to its roots thanks to collaborative working and intervention from Mansfield District Council and its partners.

North Notts Hockey Club used the Manor Sport & Recreation Centre in Mansfield Woodhouse as its home training pitch for more than 30 years. This was until the pandemic forced the closure of all community pitches.

The Kingsley Avenue complex was run by the Two Counties Trust, which also operates the nearby Manor Academy school. The facility never reopened once the lockdown was lifted. An announcement was then made in 2021 that it would remain permanently closed, leaving the club without a playing facility.

Bringing the club back to the sports complex was made possible thanks to collaboration and support from Two Counties Trust and Nottinghamshire County Council. The county specifically worked with the district council to complete legal paperwork needed to lease directly with the hockey club.

The club has nine senior teams and a junior section, which train and play at the complex three times per week.

The council has also helped to bring the facility back up to scratch and secure its future by providing support for new lighting and electrics, as well as the specialist cleaning of the pitch.

Paul Unwin, Chairman of North Notts Hockey Club, added: “As a club, we are extremely excited to be returning to play hockey at ‘home’ for the first time in four seasons. Having been travelling to Worksop for all this time, being back local again will aid the growth of the club and we look forward to bringing hockey back to the Mansfield region.

“The work that has gone in behind the scenes from all parties has been immense and as a club we cannot thank everyone involved enough for helping us get back to Manor Sports Centre.”

Do you know of any 3G issues affecting your region or club? Please get in touch

Ireland’s most sustainable hockey pitch opens

Hockey Paper staff
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Ireland’s most sustainable hockey pitch opens

Republic of Ireland’s most sustainable hockey pitch has opened at Pembroke Wanderers HC in Dublin.

Pembroke Wanderers is the first club in the country to install this new pitch technology – second only to Banbridge Hockey Club.

The pitch is made from the sport’s most sustainable surface – Poligras Paris GT zero – a unique carbon zero hockey turf specially developed for the Paris 2024 Olympics and certified by the Federation for International Hockey (FIH) for dry hockey.

This state-of-the-art pitch has already garnered international attention – the USA Womens’ Hockey Team chose the surface at Pembroke Wanderers in preparation for their Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

In front of a community of over 300 people, the ribbon was officially cut before the start of the Ken Treacy Cup – an annual tournament in memory of a valued Pembroke player. All funds raised from this tournament go to Beaumont Hospital Richmond ICU.

The new eco-friendly pitch was purchased through extensive fundraising by the club with support from the State’s Sports Capital and Equipment Scheme.

Speaking at the launch, Lord Mayor of Dublin James Geoghegan said: “From hearing about Pembroke, in both its history and also its current wealth of work, it’s clear that this place is a thriving hub within this local community and within this sport. 

“As well as significant fundraising efforts as a club, I’m proud that the state has been able to play a supporting role in making this pitch upgrade happen through the Sports Capital Grant. It is communities like this that create our future leaders, help with positive mental and physical health for our citizens and allow us all to share in something together. 

“It’s very palpable today that this is more than just a hockey club and I am very proud, as your Lord Mayor, to officially open the pitch facilities today.”

‘Joy to coach’: Telford hockey team benefits from mother and daughters

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‘Joy to coach’: Telford hockey team benefits from mother and daughters

A family trio has been making waves in the local hockey scene as a mother and her two daughters take to the field together for Telford and Wrekin HC.

Last month 45-year-old Charlotte Goodwin and her daughters, Courtney and Megan Lancaster, 28 and 24 respectively, took to the pitch together playing in the same team.

Charlotte, who has been a devoted member of Telford and Wrekin for over 30 years, couldn’t be prouder. “Playing with my daughters is a dream come true,” she shared after their match against a touring Monmouth College team. “Hockey has always been a big part of our lives, and to share the pitch with Courtney and Megan is something I never imagined possible.”

Courtney and Megan, who have followed in their mother’s footsteps since a young age, are equally thrilled. “It’s amazing to play alongside Mum,” Courtney said.

“We’ve always looked up to her, and now we get to share these moments on the field together. It’s really special.” The family’s involvement with hockey expands further with Charlotte’s younger children, Brodie and Tiger-Lily, both playing for their respective age-group teams at the St George’s based club.

The family’s love for hockey is evident in their teamwork and communication on the field. Their understanding of each other’s play style has already translated into a successful partnership for Telford and Wrekin.

While they usually play for different teams within the club the trio ran out together in a friendly against Monmouth College which saw them contributing to a decisive 3-0 victory, with Charlotte scoring the final goal.

Their coach, Gary Stacey, is excited about the dynamic they bring to the squad. “It’s rare to see such a connection between players, and the girls have it naturally. They’re a joy to coach, and their presence is a huge asset to the club.”

“Charlotte, Courtney and Megan’s story is a testament to the power of family in sport, showcasing how shared passions can bring people together in the most extraordinary ways,” the club added.

“As they continue to play and grow together Telford and Wrekin Hockey Club is undoubtedly witnessing something truly special — a bond that transcends the game and will inspire many for years to come.”

Hockey Australia on look out for new men coach as Colin Batch exits

Hockey Paper staff
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Hockey Australia on look out for new men coach as Colin Batch exits

Australia men are on the hunt for a new head coach after Colin Batch stepped down after eight years in charge.

Batch took the Kookaburras to two Commonwealth Games gold medals and silver at the Tokyo Olympics before a disappointing last eight exit in Paris following Pro League title success this summer.

The former player who won gold at the 1986 World Cup was unable to replicate a major title as a head coach, although he did land success as an assistant with Australia’s 2004 Olympic gold.

“The Kookaburras have been a major part of my life, as a player, assistant and head coach for almost 30 years. I am extremely proud to have been part of this program, which has seen much success,” Batch said.

Hockey Australia’s high-performance director, Bernard Savage, said: “Not only has Colin developed great players, his focus and attention on developing people has supported success on and off pitch for the Kookaburras.

“Colin leaves the programme in a great position and Kookaburra success well into the LA cycle will have his mark on it.”

The new Australia coach will first have to flush out the negativity over the end to Australia’s Olympic campaign after Tom Craig’s arrest. 

Former Kookaburra great Mark Knowles has been touted as a possible replacement for Batch.

Batch was inducted into the Hockey Australia Hall of Fame in 2021 and named the FIH Men’s Coach of the Year in 2019, a fitting reward having helped the Kookaburras win the inaugural FIH Pro League and another Oceania Cup that same year.

Club hockey: ‘The physicality has got better, the aerial poses a different threat’

Hockey Paper staff
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Club hockey: ‘The physicality has got better, the aerial poses a different threat’

Alex Danson, the England and GB great, on her time coaching Wimbledon women’s 1s

I was delighted we made history for the club finishing top four. We started slowly and we built since Christmas and just got better and better.

I was apprehensive around the tactical side and how much of that I could implement with the team. I have loved that side of it and working out the opposition, working out their strengths, how do we nullify those?

It was really challenging and we knew what we were dealing with. We played with 25 players exposed to Premier Division hockey which could only be good for the club’s junior system, with two under-18s players in League Finals.

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