World Beach Hockey aims for 100 nations playing sand version

New organisation World Beach Hockey aims to have 100 nations playing the version by the end of 2026.

World Beach Hockey is submitting to compete in the next World Beach Games in 2027 and has plans to run both a Junior World Cup and Adult World cup in the future.

Greg Mill, president of World Beach Hockey, attended the 2014 World Cup in the Hague where the first Beach Hockey Festival was also being played.

Mill took the concept back to Australia and in October 2023 the FIH approved World Beach Hockey as an organisation.

“Field hockey is a technical sport, not easy to pick up for first timers,” he told iSportConnect.

“Beach Hockey is a safe and fun version of hockey that is easy to play for those who have not held a stick before.

“Statistics over four years have shown that a high percentage of first time players who tried beach hockey then transferred across to playing eleven a side and indoor hockey so was a great compliment to bringing new players to hockey.

Belgium hockey greats to take on international all stars

A host of stellar names will take part in the Belfius Red Legends Game in June to celebrate Belgium’s international successes in recent years.

The Golden Lions v Hockey All Stars game in Antwerp on June 9 will see the likes of John-John Dohmen take on an international XI featuring Ashley Jackson.

“The Royal Belgian Hockey Association wants to pay tribute to an exceptional generation of Red Lions – the players who brought Belgium to the top of world hockey,” the federation said.

“This gala match, both festive and symbolic, brings together the biggest names in international hockey for a very last performance on the field, in front of their loyal audience.”

Dohmen will feature at Sportcentrum Wilrijkse Plein alongside Félix Denayer, Thomas Briels, Florent Van Aubel, Loïck Luypaert and other past champions.

A selection of international hockey greats will include Tobias Hauke, Robert van der Horst, Billy Bakker, Barry Middleton, Lucas Rossi, Pol Amat and others.

Brendan Creed joins US Field Hockey

Former England and GB international Brendan Creed has joined US Field Hockey as men’s high performance coach – his first role since retiring.

Defender Creed played for England and GB from 2015 until last year after missing out on Paris 2024 selection.

He joins US women’s goalkeeper coach Maddie Hinch stateside after the pair got engaged. Creed is now a USA Field Hockey Level 1 and 3 certified coach.

“Brendan brings a wealth of experience at the highest level, having represented both England and Great Britain with distinction, including on the Olympic stage,” said Allan Law, USMNT head coach.

READ MORE: Why I’m still talking about Brendan Creed’s Euro Hockey moment

“His firsthand understanding of what it takes to compete and succeed as an Olympian will be a tremendous asset to our athletes as they pursue their own Olympic ambitions.

“Beyond his playing career, Brendan has shown a deep passion and unwavering commitment to the growth of the game. His dedication to the long-term success of our program, both on and off the field, will strengthen our high-performance culture and help elevate our team to the next level.”

Dutchman Bert Remmerswaal has also been enlisted as US women’s assistant coach.

From 2017 to 2020, Remmerswaal was men’s assistant coach at Almeerse Hockey Club in Almere.

Oxfordshire hockey club pays tribute to ‘hero’ who died helping firefighters

Bicester Hockey Club has paid tribute to a businessman killed in a blaze at a former RAF base that also claimed the lives of two firefighters he was trying to help.

David Chester, father of the club’s first team captain, Jordan, died in a fire at Bicester Motion on May 15.

The 57-year-old was a respected member of the community who ran Chester & Sons, a construction company, and was known for his unwavering support and generosity, often employing members of the hockey club, including his son Jordan.

In a heartfelt statement, the club described him as “a pillar of the community” and acknowledged the significant loss felt by all who knew him.

The club said: “David Chester was a pillar of the community, a local business man running Chester & Sons. Alongside Jordan, other members of the club worked for david. He was well respected man and will be a great loss to all. 

“Everyone at the club wishes Jordan and his family their thoughts and condolences during this difficult time.”

According to his family, David died heroically while assisting firefighters during the incident. They stated, “He was not a victim but a hero. He died the way he lived: helping others and putting them ahead of himself.”

Thames Valley Police have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, which is currently categorised as an “unexplained death” inquiry.

Bury St Edmunds Hockey Club launches youth initiative to grow game

Bury St Edmunds Hockey Club in Suffolk has unveiled a new youth programme aimed at boosting hockey participation among local schoolchildren.

The initiative, named Bury Larks, offers free taster sessions and structured coaching for pupils aged 7 to 15.

The club is hoping to attract youngsters from both state and private schools by making the sport more accessible. Weekly training sessions are currently held on Tuesday nights at Nowton Park, with plans to expand to Thursdays during the summer.

“We want more kids playing hockey, wherever they come from,” said Emily Denney, who is leading the project. “You don’t need to be fantastic – the sport is for everyone.”

Denney, a regular player for the club’s women’s 5th team, only took up the sport herself just over two years ago. She emphasised that Bury Larks is about building confidence and having fun, while also offering a pathway for those who want to take their skills further.

The initiative is a collaborative effort supported by Denney’s fiancé, men’s club captain Finn Sullivan, and first team coach Harry Reidy.

All three coaches are actively involved in the sessions and see the programme as a reflection of the club’s inclusive, community-driven ethos.

“This is a real family club,” said Reidy. “Everyone contributes – from under-eights to the first team.”

The revitalisation of the pitch at Nowton Park has also been key to the scheme’s launch. Sullivan highlighted ongoing work with England Hockey to protect facilities from conversion to artificial 3G pitches.

“The council are investing to keep hockey alive here,” he said. “We’re proud to be part of that movement.”

Bury Larks is open to all young players looking to try out the sport in a supportive, welcoming environment.

Summer round robins, European spot? ‘Honest debate needed’ on England Hockey cup future

“Everyone loves a cup run,” states the England Hockey website blurb on the EH Championship. Even if that comes laced with annual withdrawals and, without taking anything away from its recent winners, a competition which has long been lacklustre.

So how to put some punch back into what is supposed to be England Hockey’s premier knock-out tournament?

Several ideas have been thrown into the mix in recent seasons, not least replacing the traditional knock outs as winter draws in with summer round robin matches, taking the place of pre-season friendlies.

Add in the lure of a possible European spot, and we have the hallmarks of a competition for the modern age of hockey.

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‘We need to reinvigorate it’: Harborne claim England Hockey cup glory after 122 years

On the same day when the English FA Cup final was being played, Harborne HC started early in the build-up to their biggest day in hockey — like the cup days of old when BBC and ITV used to start coverage in the morning.

On X, Harborne had posted images of past players and a slice of yesteryear before live tweeting a match which, it transpired, was their first ever senior cup final of any description in the club’s 122-year history. It was won, fittingly, by a third generational talent in the final minute on Saturday with family watching on.

That they only played one match to get there is a moot point and shouldn’t take away from celebrations which lasted well into Sunday. For Harborne had prepared for the cup well before the early round ties were even drawn.

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Surbiton respond to England Hockey Cup withdrawals

A final failed to be played for the first time in the near 50-year history of the English women’s knockout cup after Surbiton withdrew from the competition.

Surbiton were due to play Beeston on Saturday at Nottingham Hockey Centre in the EH T1 Championship women’s final, but only the men’s cup ‘showpiece’ went ahead. 

READ MORE: ‘We need to reinvigorate it’: Harborne claim England Hockey cup glory after 122 years

A women’s trophy has been presented every year since 1977/78, while Surbiton and Beeston have dominated the women’s event in recent years, sharing title honours four times apiece since 2013.

“As we are sure all other clubs also did, Surbiton entered this season’s Cup with the best intentions,” Surbiton told THP in a club statement.

“However with the changing landscape of the format and some lack of clarity around fixtures and competition details, the club made the decision (as did more than half of the other teams who had entered) to withdraw. 

“We are now looking forward to next season’s competitions.”

England Hockey didn’t comment on the matter when contacted by THP.

Surbiton also withdrew from the men’s competition in the early rounds after their original match against Harborne had been postponed due to a frozen pitch.

After beating Fareham 7-1 in the opening round, Surbiton received a walkover over Clifton Robinsons before withdrawing in the next round and Harborne advancing.

Indian Gymkhana had beaten Beeston 1-0 before staking their claim in the final against eventual winners Harborne.

Gymkhana had started their Cup run with two walkovers: against Holcombe and Canterbury.

Surbiton’s withdrawals and the continued walkovers which occur every year have further dampened a once vibrant and proud cup competition.

Hockey stars lead charge as Allwyn unveils £100K ChangeMakers grants

British hockey is at the forefront of a major new funding drive, as Team GB star Tess Howard headlines a list of elite athletes awarded ChangeMakers grants from Allwyn, operator of The National Lottery.

Sixteen current and former Olympians and Paralympians will receive up to £10,000 each to power social impact projects tackling issues from youth mentorship to disability inclusion.

The £100,000 initiative is part of Allwyn’s wider £1 million Social Value Fund and follows the launch of the ChangeMakers programme in 2024 alongside UK Sport, Team GB, and ParalympicsGB.

Howard will use her funding to expand the Inclusive Sportswear campaign — an initiative challenging the lack of choice and inclusivity in school PE kits.

“Only one in four girls feel confident in their PE kit,” said Howard. “Thanks to Allwyn, this grant helps build a community platform to support inclusive PE policies nationwide.”

Fellow GB hockey player Darcy Bourne also secured backing for her Raising Her Game project, running multi-sport camps to support girls facing barriers in sport.

The initiative reflects Allwyn’s aim to support athletes beyond the field, with projects ranging from Paralympic swimmer Tully Kearney’s accessible running initiative Now I Can Run, to judo, basketball, and cycling schemes targeting disadvantaged youth and underrepresented communities.

Andria Vidler, Allwyn CEO, said: “These grants empower athletes to be catalysts for change in their communities. Their passion extends far beyond sport.”

UK Sport CEO Sally Munday added: “It’s fantastic to see athletes using their platforms for social good. The National Lottery’s continued investment helps power that legacy.”

The grants are split into ‘Try It’ and ‘Scale It’ funds, enabling both early-stage and established social projects to grow. Full details of all 16 recipients are available via UK Sport.

Hockey Social: Herts club marks 100 years of women’s hockey

The latest news from across the club world

Over 180 members of Bishop’s Stortford HC gathered at Herts and Essex High School for its end-of-season dinner, the evening marking 100 years of women’s hockey in Stortford. 

The choice of venue was fitting, honouring the students of the girls’ school who first introduced hockey for women in the town.

One hundred years on, former ladies’ section captain Richard Temple continues to dedicate time to coaching students at the school. The partnership was underlined when Herts and Essex High’s under-14 team secured silver at this year’s National State Schools Finals.

School girls hockey raise funds for theatre

Around 40 members of Marshland High School’s Pink Ladies Hockey Squad, pictured above, will compete in a 5k challenge at King’s Lynn in July.

The funds will support the Angles Theatre in Wisbech, a volunteer-run venue where many pupils take craft and dance lessons.

Paul Swinburn, head of PE at Marshland High School, said: “At a time where there’s lots of negativity about young people, this group is really trying to crack the stereotype.

“This will be the eighth year of the Pink Lady squads raising money for local good causes.

“If we reach our target this year, we will have raised more than £25,000 for charities including Fenland Women’s Refuge, food banks, the theatre and to help pay for a rail card so a young lady recovering from leukaemia could travel around Europe.

“We are very proud of all the pupils who have ever taken part, and you can see us run in the event.”

Leek raise £10k

Leek Hockey Club has successfully raised an impressive £10,000 for a new Safe Space Hospital Bed at Royal Stoke University Hospital, thanks to a series of dedicated fundraising events. 

The campaign, which began in September 2024 and culminated at the club’s Beer Festival in April 2025, is a true testament to the community’s spirit and commitment to improving the lives of children facing serious medical challenges.

The initiative was sparked by the personal experience of some members of the club whose daughter, seven-year old Alice, has been battling the effects of CDKL5, a rare chromosome deletion disorder. 

The £10,000 raised by Leek Hockey Club will be used to purchase additional Safe Space beds, significantly improving the hospital experience for young patients at Royal Stoke University Hospital.