Olympian Simon Mason amassed 120 caps for England and 74 for Great Britain during a 12-year international career as a goalkeeper. During that time he played in three Olympic Games - Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004, and three Hockey World Cups. He recently returned to the World Cup scene as part of the England Masters team competing in Canberra, Australia. He shared some of his experiences with the International Hockey Federation (FIH)...
Never before have I gone to a tournament where the level, opponents, logistics and approach have been a total unknown. No amount of experience can calm the nerves of meeting a new team with a desire to win a world level competition.
When the competition is the pinnacle of Masters Hockey, when the chance to represent your country is something that has been strived for, trained for, saved for (most Masters teams are entirely self-funded and two weeks in Australia isn’t cheap!), I should have know that whilst the social functions, friendships, travel and fun are all hugely important, once you step across the white line onto the field of play, the competition is everything.
53 teams from 15 countries, both genders and several age groups contributed to more than 1,000 players amassing at the ACT Hockey Centre in Canberra to battle for the Masters World Cup titles.
Although some countries couldn't attend because of distance and cost - the raw energy and desire to win the competition shown by some teams, combined with the camaraderie and friendship shown by others, have made for a truly special event.
As a social ‘snapshot’ - the collecting of pins, the swapping of kit, is of a level I have never seen outside the Olympics. Players having a genuine desire to meet fellow athletes from other countries, to exchange a memento at the start of the game, just seconds before an epic encounter where little quarter is granted.
It provides a brilliant contrast. Never before have I experienced relationships that are described as ‘best friends’ for 99% of the time and ‘fiercest rivals’ for 60 or 70 minutes.
Masters Hockey has proved to be a unique, wholly enjoyable experience. A chance to make new friends from across the world and to renew some acquaintances from battles of years gone by. To enjoy exceptional hospitality and take part in a world class event, giving hockey players the chance to simply keep playing when they may have thought the best years were gone. At the same time, it is an opportunity for athletes like myself the chance to excel. How many people can claim to be World Champions, at any level?
I don’t know what exists in other sports to rival this experience? Players talk about their starting playing age being seven, eight, nine or 10 and still being active 50 years later and representing their countries.
If activity is a key to physical well-being, social interaction the key to happiness, and competition crucial to keeping the mind sharp, then Masters Hockey may well be the holy grail for the hockey family.
By Simon Mason, England Masters Goalkeeper / Olympian
Photo: England's Simon Mason with Malaysia player Raj Ganesan
To follow the Masters Hockey World Cup 2016, click here.
The Masters Hockey World Cup is another example of the inclusiveness of hockey. Regardless of age, background or ability, hockey is a sport for all. This is a crucial aspect contributing to the FIH Hockey Revolution, a 10-year strategy aimed at making hockey a global game that inspires the next generation. Creating innovative and exciting hockey events, increasing the degree of professionalism throughout all areas of the sport, building a recognised image for hockey and generating more followers around the world are all strategy goals which the Masters Hockey World Cup is contributing to. For more information on the Hockey Revolution, click here.
