EuroHockey Masters prove age is no barrier to hockey

Last week, England played host to the EuroHockey Masters tournament which welcomed 1,625 athletes playing for 92 teams who took part in 16 age category competitions at three venues.

Regardless of age, these competitions were competitive and feisty, with old rivalries rekindled and a display of skilful hockey that had the crowd gasping.

It was a showcase of longevity as the players took to the field at venues in Essex, Hertfordshire and at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, which was also playing host to the Unibet EuroHockey Championships 2015.

A packed stadium watched the Men's Over 60s, the Men's Over 55s and the Women's Over 40s finals on the same day that England women played Italy in the EuroHockey pool matches.

"Holding the final here during the EuroHockey Championships has just elevated this event," said Tracy Bow, captain of Wales Over 40s. "For people in my team who have not played for their national side before, this has made it really special."

And the event itself was a mammoth lesson in logistics – 92 teams across 16 age categories, ranging from the "youngsters" in the Over 40s to the Grand Masters, the Over 70s.

Nations represented included France, Belgium, Wales, Scotland, Italy, Netherlands, Germany and England.

The Masters scene is one of the fastest growing areas of participation. The men's scene has been vibrant for many years, but the women's competition has been a relatively new phenomenon.

Tournament organiser Deb Wilkes said: "We introduced women's Masters in 2005 in response to a huge demand from players across Europe, and it has just grown and grown. In truth, while it is important for health and fitness, and there is obviously the competitive element, for me it is about giving women some time to themselves."

Sally Munday, CEO of England Hockey agreed. "International Masters is all about showcasing that you can still play competitively whatever age you are. It is about keeping fit, it is social, it is time for themselves. And I have to praise Debs (Wilkes), she has chaired the EuroMasters organising committee, there were 92 teams over three venues and 1,625 players, that is no mean feat!"

"This is a great opportunity for people, like me, who have played hockey all our lives to a decent level, to keep playing competitively," said Howard Atkinson, a member of the Wales Over 55 team. Atkinson, who plays his hockey at Wisbech in East England, said that the Masters scene was growing exponentially. "In Wisbech we have entered a team into the national Men's Over 40s competition for the first time." With a wry smile he added: "More and more of us are discovering our Welsh roots."

These thoughts were echoed by Alex Hooker speaking after her team's defeat of Wales in the Women's Over 40s. She said: "I’m so excited to be playing for England Masters. It’s a fantastic competition with amazing organisation and a real buzzing atmosphere. The commitment from all the individuals – from the players to the coaching team to the organisers - is incredible given that it is all self-funding. I think anyone who comes to watch or is involved will realise how important Masters hockey is, not just now but for the future as more and more people are extending their hockey playing career because of opportunities like this."

The last word goes to Wilkes: "I think the important message is that age is no barrier to hockey and that pride certainly doesn't diminish with age."