Chris and Gareth have just returned from Rotterdam where they represented England in the O/50s World Cup, winning the gold medal, beating rivals Australia in the final 3-2.
Sophie had to withdraw from the England O/45s squad at the same tournament after slipping a disc but already has a European gold medal and has represented England a number of times.
1. What is your first memory of playing hockey?
Chris One of my PE teachers at school in Watford was a keen hockey player and asked me if I would be interested in playing at our local club, West Herts. I started playing there at 13 and I was hooked and have played every year since! Sophie F I grew up in the Malverns and couldn’t wait to start playing after watching my sister play; I joined our local club as soon as I could! Gareth I started playing at school when I was 11, on gravel in Belfast where I grew up.
2. What do you love about hockey?
Chris It’s fast and technical, I found it much faster than football. Sophie It requires coordination, bravery, skill, speed, accuracy and the ability to read the game all whilst only being able to touch the ball with a thin stick of carbon fibre - what’s not to love! Gareth Physicality, speed and being part of a team, plus as I get older the battle of wits and more technical aspects.
3. What prompted you to try Masters Hockey?
Chris After playing against much younger players in league hockey, I wanted to test myself against players of a similar age. I tried for our regional team, West, and I have now played for the West for the past 10 years in the O40’s, 045’s and now 050’s age group. Sophie One of my Marlborough Teammates suggested I try out for the West regional team and it went from there. Gareth It was also one of my Marlborough teammates who suggested I try out for the West. I then progressed through to the O45s England squad as a non-playing reserve at the European Championships in 2024 and onwards into playing.
4. What’s been the best thing about representing England?
Chris It’s been an amazing experience, putting on the England shirt for our first game in the world cup was special, only beaten by walking out with the rest of the team in the final and singing the national anthem. Sophie Three terrifying trials and I will admit to shedding a tear when I received an email saying I had been selected to represent England. I never would have imagined at my age that I’d have the opportunity to wear the three lions on my shirt and sing the national anthem! It is such a privilege - every time. Gareth Definitely beating the Australians in the final. Singing the national anthem and knowing what was at stake made it a very nervy game.
5. How do you keep yourself fit for international duty?
Chris I enjoy keeping fit but having the World Cup really gave me a focus to work towards, especially with several pre-world cup training sessions with the squad Sophie Keeping the body together post 40 has been a challenge; I am now a Pilates advocate, a (reluctant) gym goer and swim at least once a week. I am running again, though more sensibly, and trying to do more functional training. Gareth A lot of work in the gym and trying to avoid injuries that come along more frequently now I am over 50.
6. What next?
Chris Back to playing for Marlborough for the season. It’s a different challenge as in the league we play against all ages unlike in the World Cup where we are all of a similar age. Sophie I am looking forward to getting back on those blue pitches again this season, aiming for the O45s regional team selection at the end of the year. Nine months away from hockey has made me realise how much I miss being part of a team. Gareth Club hockey, Masters trials for the European Championship next summer-season never ends!
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