Field Hockey is an Olympic sport the British do quite well at. At the 2024 Paris Games, both the men and women reached the Quarterfinals. And three years earlier the women’s team secured a Bronze against India in a close and compelling match. With the men coming agonisingly close with another Quarterfinal match.
Hockey requires incredible strength, speed and durability, showcasing the very best of teamwork and skill. Not to mention it’s played at a very high level the world over, ensuing a rich and diverse league and international scene.
Because Hockey is so globally popular it can require a lot of travel and therefore expense to compete internationally or at a high level. Recently we were approached by Helen for help with funding toward costs with representing the England in the International Masters Hockey competitions, we were delighted to be able to support her from the Elite Sponsorship Fund.
How did you get into hockey?
“I first started playing hockey at the age of 11, representing my school. By the age of 13, I was playing for the school first team. My passion grew for the sport as a result of my natural ability combined with excellent coaching. On a weekend I ended up playing for my school in the morning, our local women’s team in the afternoon on Saturdays and for a local mixed team on Sundays.
How has your hockey career evolved?
I went on to represent Yorkshire both as a forward and then Goalkeeper (GK) outdoors and as a GK for Yorkshire, North and was included in the England indoor squad. I have medals for Club and County in regional and National competitions and played for Doncaster in the National League. I was also in the National Vets final in 1999.
I took a break from playing hockey but was still involved with the sport until I received a phone call saying they were starting up an England over 60 team and would I be interested in going to trials. Since then, I have played for England continuously through the over 60s, over 65s and now for the over 70s. During that time, I have won four European Cup Gold medals; two World Cup Gold medals and three silver medals. I also play in the National Masters over 45s and 55s, with an O55 runner up medal and a winner’s medal.
How has your hockey career evolved?
I went on to represent Yorkshire both as a forward and then Goalkeeper (GK) outdoors and as a GK for Yorkshire, North and was included in the England indoor squad. I have medals for Club and County in regional and National competitions and played for Doncaster in the National League. I was also in the National Vets final in 1999.
I took a break from playing hockey but was still involved with the sport until I received a phone call saying they were starting up an England over 60 team and would I be interested in going to trials. Since then, I have played for England continuously through the over 60s, over 65s and now for the over 70s. During that time, I have won four European Cup Gold medals; two World Cup Gold medals and three silver medals. I also play in the National Masters over 45s and 55s, with an O55 runner up medal and a winner’s medal.
How does it feel to represent your country?
It is an absolute honor to represent England, but it means making a huge commitment both in time and money as it is all self-funded. Once you have been selected then team training sessions take place monthly in Birmingham and include a tournament in the Netherlands in preparation for the tournaments which include the four home nations, a Summer Nations and in alternate years, a World Cup/European Cup.
That sounds like a lot to keep up with. How do you stay so fit and active?
Personal training is your own responsibility so in addition to training, in order to maintain and improve my level of fitness I go to the gym three times a week for planned sessions in Pilates, dynamic Pilates and a full body workout and also fit in some aerobic workouts. My main motivation is simply to just be the best in the world, and I love the challenge of still being able to compete at the highest level.
When you’re not playing or preparing for hockey, how do you relax?
I enjoy traveling, walking, gardening and doing voluntary work, not only with the civil service, but with my local hockey club, with Friends International and my church. On a day-to-day basis I promote the importance of staying active with everyone I meet and I enjoy sharing my experiences to help motivate others.
How has CSSC funding helped with your hockey?
I appreciated receiving funding from the CSSC Elite Sponsorship Fund, which helped towards the cost of buying new team kit and my training in preparation for the World Cup in New Zealand, where we won a Silver Medal, narrowly losing to Australia on sudden death penalties!
How did you hear about CSSC?
I joined the Civil Service in 1975 and became a member of CSSC immediately. When being interviewed for an article in their Tempo magazine, I was asked to organise a women’s hockey team for Y&H Department of Employment. However, there was a catch, there was no National Civil Service organiser, so I ended up taking on both roles and reintroduced women’s hockey back into the Civil Service.
Over the years I’ve been involved with Civil Service hockey in many different capacities. Organising national events, playing for the CS Representative Team, managing the Representative Team, Chairing the CSWHA (winning the Hayward Trophy in 2013) and more recently becoming the President of the Civil Service Hockey Association (CSHA).
Get involved with CSSC Hockey
In 2022 the Civil Service Hockey Association celebrated their centenary and continues to play representative matches for both men and women. The men compete for the Hancock and Evans Cup, with the women competing for the Joyce Cole Cup. Played over the same two days in late April or early May at the centrally located, Nottingham Hockey Centre, with try-out and qualifications widely advertised on the CSSC website, closer to the time.
You can reach out to the Civil Service Hockey Association on their social media page on X – Search for CSHA or Civil Service Hockey Association.
Apply for funding
Whatever your sporting ambitions, CSSC has a fund that could help you achieve your dreams. Whether competing internationally, training for official qualifications, organising workplace activities, or simply taking part in race days.