Hockey World News

GB HOCKEY
02 February 2026
England Hockey is pleased to hear the announcement of Don Williams as GB Hockey’s new President. Williams brings a wealth of hockey experience both on and off the pitch having earned 122 combined caps throughout his career. As the nominated country to represent Great Britain, England Hockey will be working closely with Williams as the sport prepares for qualification for the LA 28 Olympic Games. The full news story is available now.England Hockey Chair, Kath Russ, said: "We are delighted to welcome Don Williams as the new President of GB Hockey. Don has been a tireless advocate for hockey for many years, and his extensive knowledge of the sport's landscape will be invaluable as we continue to grow the game. His leadership comes at a pivotal time for Great Britain Hockey, and I look forward to working closely with him to continue to develop our sport on an international stage.” England Hockey

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International
29 May 2025
Double Commonwealth medallist and former captain, Ian Sloan, has announced his decision to retire from International Hockey having earned 141 caps in a lustrous career.Born in Northern Ireland, Sloan followed in his parents’ footsteps making 19 appearances for Ireland before making the switch to Great Britain and England in 2015, making his first appearance in GB colours during Test Matches against Argentina.Sloan made his Olympic debut in 2016 at just 22-years-old and went on to make the 2020 squad in Tokyo, featuring in all of GB’s 11 matches across the two Olympic Games.After making just 28 international appearances, Sloan was named co-captain of GB and England in 2017 alongside Phil Roper and George Pinner, following suit of his father Martin who captained Ireland 108 times.Sloan

GB: Sloan Announces Retirement From International Hockey | Hockey World News Double Commonwealth medallist and former captain, Ian Sloan, has announced his decision to retire from International Hockey having earned 141 caps in a

Competitions & Events
04 February 2026
Has someone made a real difference to you this season? Do you want to celebrate someone who has achieved great things? Nominate them for The England Hockey Awards - Celebrating the Spirit of Hockey. Discover the 18 prestigious awards being presented at the England Hockey Awards 2026Nominations are now open for this year's awards and close on the Sunday 12 April 23:59. The England Hockey Awards will be held on Saturday 6 June 2026 at the Athena in Leicester. This is where we will recognise the outstanding achievements of individuals and clubs across the hockey community to celebrate the Spirit of Hockey.To make a nomination please complete the form hereThis year from the nominations each England Hockey Area will award a winner in certain categories. All Area winners will be invited to attend the national England Hockey Awards evening where the overall winner will be announced. England Hockey

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England Hockey Leagues
03 February 2026
Open/ Men's EHLExeter University extended their lead at the top of Open/Mens Division One South after a 2-0 win over Havant. They were helped by the teams just below them going into Saturday’s matches both losing. Second placed Guildford let a 4-2 lead slip at Old Loughtonians whose new signing Ali Shan hit the decisive goal in a 5-4 win. Third placed Sevenoaks went down 3-0 at Teddington for whom Kyle White scored twice. The victors both move to the fringes of the title race. Bottom of the table Surbiton 2s earned their third point, drawing 2-2 with Indian Gymkhana.

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England National Teams
04 February 2026
Day One: Men - ENG (3) 2 v 2 (1) NEDEngland's men took on the Olympic champions in their opening match of block two of the FIH Hockey Pro League. England were looking hungry from the start and captain Zach Wallace stole the ball in midfield and execute an excellent run into the D finishing off with a goal. England doubled their lead in the 10th minute with a powerful penalty corner by Sam Hooper. The Dutch fought back to draw in the match in the 57th minute taking it to a shootout. England went into an early lead after Will Calnan scored his goal while James Mazarelo made an excellent save. Stu Rushmere and Zach Wallace scored their goals putting pressure on the Dutch for their four attempt but Mazarelo stood strong and secure the shootout victory for England.

Women - ENG 0 v 3 NED England women were taking on a full-strength Dutch side in their opener in China and welcomed Amy Thompson back from injury to make her England debut.

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England Hockey Leagues
11 February 2026
Womens Division One North leaders Buckingham dropped points for the second successive week, this time all three in a 3-2 loss at Olton & West Warwicks. Beth Peers scored twice for Olton before Alice Conquest hit a 68th minute winner which lifts her side off the foot of the table. Buckingham are now six points clear at the top. Second placed Gloucester City could only draw, 3-3 with Leeds, Emma Williams scoring two of their goals. Beeston go level on points with Gloucester after their 2-0 win at Repton, Sophie Robinson netted twice in a result that also sends Repton to the bottom of the table.

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Governance
16 June 2025
GB Hockey is saddened by the passing of Dennis Hay at the age of 84.Hay represented both Scotland and Great Britain as a player before going on to coach the GB Women’s team to a historic first Olympic medal. His contribution to the sport, particularly during a formative time for the women’s programme, is warmly remembered.Dennis was a gifted midfielder who represented both Scotland and Great Britain (15 GB caps, 1966-1972) with distinction.

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Governance
01 July 2025
Great Britain Hockey is pleased to announce the appointment of Rich Beer as its new Chief Operating Officer. Beer will step up from his current role as Sport and Development Director and will take on his new role from 1 September 2025. Alongside this, Beer will also become Chief Executive Officer of England Hockey. Beer has been with England Hockey for 12 years, playing a central role in shaping the sport’s future. He has led transformational initiatives including the development of Big Stadium Hockey, the successful bid to host the EuroHockey Championships in 2027, the ground breaking facilities loan scheme, and the recent membership model changes. Kath Russ, Chair of England Hockey, said “I am delighted to welcome Rich as our new CEO.

GB: Great Britain Hockey Appoints Rich Beer As New COO | Hockey World News Great Britain Hockey is pleased to announce the appointment of Rich Beer as its new Chief Operating Officer. Beer will step up from his current role as Sport

International
07 October 2025
An 18-strong men’s squad of under 21 players are putting the finishing touches to their preparations for the Sultan of Johor Cup. The six-day competition starts on 19 October as the GB team takes on the likes of India, Australia and New Zealand. The squad boasts 16 players from last year’s team that secured victory for the fourth time in the tournament’s 13-year history.The tournament will also provide new players with an excellent development opportunity to experience large crowds, tournament hockey and non-European opposition.Head Coach Jon Bleby said: “The Sultan of Johor Cup is a fantastic competition for players to compete against world-class non-European teams in an environment that is brilliant for the players to learn & develop.“We are returning champions and it’s fantastic to bring 16 players back from that squad to compete again.“Our focus will be on executing our game plan, taking it match-by-match with the goal of achieving our best as a team.

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International
15 June 2025
Olympic silver medallist Robert van der Horst will be joining the England and GB coaching team as assistant coach for the men’s programme.Van der Horst, who will officially take up his role in July, represented the Netherlands for 12 years and earned 272 caps. He won silver at the London 2012 Olympic Games as well as two World Cup medals and six European medals.He took up coaching when he announced his retirement from international hockey and has been coaching for Oranje-Rood for the past six years.Van der Horst will join Zak Jones and Kwan Browne at the EuroHockey Championships as his first major event.On his new appointment, van der Horst said: “I’m thrilled to be part of the GB and England programme. From the very start, I felt a strong connection with the vision and with everyone involved.

GB: Olympic Medallist To Join Men’s Coaching Team | Hockey World News Olympic silver medallist Robert van der Horst will be joining the England and GB coaching team as assistant coach for the men’s programme.