After making 223 appearances for England and Great Britain, Glenn Kirkham has announced his retirement from international hockey at the age of 31.
Kirkham competed in two Olympic Games and following London 2012 he decided to take some time away from the centralised programme to focus on his family and teaching career and has recently decided that he will not be rejoining the international squad.
Kirkham is part of a select group of individuals who have made over 200 international appearances, a feat which he achieved over a nine year period following his debut against Belgium back in 2003. He has been one of the most consistent members of the squad in recent years winning bronze, silver and gold medals in major tournaments. In 2009 he was part of the squad who became European Champions after defeating Germany 5-3 in the final.
Speaking about the difficult decision to retire from a sport he loves, Kirkham said: “After having a break from international hockey following the London Olympics, it now feels the right decision to call time on what has been a thoroughly enjoyable and challenging international career. The break has given me the chance to spend more time at home with my family, and also return to full time employment, and having done so I now feel I'm unable to fully commit the time and energy required to return to the international programme.”
He added: “I feel very lucky to have been able to play at the very highest level and represent my country at two Olympic Games. I have been able to travel the world playing a sport that I love and have played since the day I was old enough to stand and hold a stick. England and Great Britain have made huge progress on the pitch over the last ten years and to have been involved in the group during this time has been incredibly rewarding.”
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Source: England Hockey
