Upon returning home Peter was keen to share his passion for hockey, our first question was:
How did you get into Hockey?
I started playing hockey with my Dad in the back garden from the age of two. My Dad had played most of his life and was also Master in Charge of hockey at the school where he taught. I began playing hockey competitively at school and then moved on to club, county and ultimately masters international hockey.
How did you first find you had a passion/skill for hockey?
Whilst at school, it was a game that I found a natural ability at and thoroughly enjoyed.
What is it about hockey you enjoy the most?
The combination of the physical demands (speed, endurance, strength, stamina), the mental challenge of such a technical and tactical game (penalty corners, stick skills, long corners, 16-yard restarts) as well as playing in a team with others (defence, special teams for penalty corners, rotating substitutions involving the whole squad).
I have played for Hockey Wales as a Masters International since 2019, gaining 31 caps and playing in two World Cups, one European Championships and five Four Nations.
What’s it like competing internationally and representing your country?
The thing that I notice about international hockey, compared to the weekly club matches that I play in, is that the experience is similar but on a much grander scale and a more intense environment. We have training sessions, we play matches, there are umpires, but I get to play in new places and against teams that I’ve never played before. The strictness of the rules, especially with regards to stick checks before tournaments, having dedicated technical delegates for matches and visible scoreboards is also a step up. Finally, the coverage is much better, especially abroad. For example, in South Africa in October 2024, nearly all the matches were broadcast live on YouTube and had live commentary.
What drives you to succeed and to keep training so hard?
The wonderful experience of travelling the world, testing myself against some of the best players in the world at my age group and playing with and against people and teams I wouldn’t otherwise play.
How do you relax and unwind when you’re not competing or training?
Meditation, swami breathing, walking, climbing mountains, reading, cooking, seeing family and friends.
Does hockey help in your everyday life such as gaining confidence, health, wellbeing?
Yes, hockey keeps me physically fit, allows me to take a break from the stresses and strains of life and helps me stay connected and interacting with other people.
What if any special training, equipment, nutrition do you need to take part?
I meditate every day, I go the gym and or swim most days and go to a physical training session every Sunday morning. I eat a healthy and balanced diet, eating high levels of vegetables, protein and fats to help fuel my body and recover after exercise.
How has the CSSC funding benefited you?
Gaining the money from the CSSC contributed to my trip to South Africa, especially given the cost of flights and equipment needed to compete in the tournament.
What’s your favourite CSSC benefit?
I have previously played in the CSSC Games, I have represented the CSSC at hockey versus the Police, Navy and Army, and I have used the discounts to go to the cinema.
Find out more about the Civil Service Hockey Association and if there are any specific hockey events or offers currently available.
