Many of us step forth onto the hallowed turf each week and may not realise the pedigree of some of the more senior players they are playing with. Recently we've had luminaries such as Ali Barham, Robin Sampson, Allison Glading, Kat Wrinch and I believe Steve Haskins and Richard Langton. A host of others have represented England at various veterans level following in the footsteps of players like Cooky. Isn't he due to come out of retirement?

I'm delighted to share a bit more from Robin's recent travels.

Robin was selected for the England O65s A team again this year and part of an 18 man squad that won the Home Nations in Belfast in May and then went to Cape Town for the Word Cup in October. They had 4 games in their group at the World Cup beating New Zealand 4-0, Wales 6-0, drawing with Australia 0-0 and beating Spain 3-0 in their final group game. In the quarterfinal they beat Ireland 6-0 and in the semi final they again played Australia and this time beat them 3-0. They played the Nederlands in the final and despite conceding an early goal came back to lead 2-1 until the final minute when they equalised - 2-2 full time. It then went to a penalty shoot out which they won 2-1. They are currently reining European Champions (Valencia 2023), Home Nation Champions and now World Champions.

I’d encourage all players (men and women) to get involved with Masters Hockey which begins at the age of 35. The England men’s O35s and O75s also became World Champions in Cape Town. Clearly playing in the warm is also to be encouraged!