Hockey and football Hero's and Team players
Hockey tricks and neat stuff
Be inspired by an athlete who was playing for her country at 14 yrs old.
Practice as much as you can, even if your practising with a tennis ball and a stick outside in your garden it'll make your stick skills faster and your hand-eye coordination better and will improve your game on the hockey pitch.
Ellie Stott, player to watch!
What hockey teams/clubs have played a significant part in your development as a player?
Grove Menziehill hockey club has played a significant part in my development, I have been training with the ladies 1's who have pushed me to be more stronger when playing against women (because they are ruthless and don’t take into account that you are only 16!) and because most of them are known as the 'legend' they have taught me a few things as well: like how to beat ex Scotland and GB hockey players who have been playing for decades! (its harder than it sounds).
Who and what inspired you to play hockey and was it from a young age?
My parents aspired me to play hockey, I wouldn’t ever say forced but I was basically born with a hockey stick in my hand. At a young age I would be on the hockey pitch watching my mum play and my dad coach in my pram, at the start I hated it (because I wasn’t very good) but at the age of 7 or 8 I started to get into it and enjoying it. I was aspired to play because a part of me felt left out that my mum and sister were playing this fast, exciting game every weekend while I would stand at the side line and watch.
What was/is your greatest hockey achievement?
I have a few hockey achievements that I am proud of, there’s the achievements when I was young playing in the under 14's district team when I was just 11, when I was selected to play for Scotland under 16's when I was 14, getting my first caps and scoring my first goal for Scotland, having my first call up to play for Grove 1's team with my mum and sister and having a total of 18 junior caps for Scotland (and in counting).
If you could go back to one moment of playing hockey when would it be and why?
There’s one moment that I will forever want to go back to, it was 3-1 to Grove and one player who has this a-m-a-z-i-n-g hit decided to absolutely melt the ball down the middle of the pitch (beating about 9 players) straight to me in the D, I had the easy job of beating only a few players and scoring. It was a “you have to see it to believe it” kinda moment, but was without a doubt the best moment of my season.
Who is your all-time favourite hockey hero and what is so special about them?
I wouldn’t say I had an all time hockey hero, I think there are too many in my opinion that I say “wow they are so skilled” but I would say that Alex Danson is one that I am inspired by, her speed and skill to beat the goal keeper amazes me and knowing that she’s a forward (like me) and is also GB and England's captain is even better.
What is your greatest hockey event to watch and have you ever watched it live? If so where was it?
The greatest hockey event I have watched would have to be the 2012 Olympics in London, my family and I were privileged to go see it live and to see the Scotland girls play. A close second would be the Commonwealth Games 2014 in Glasgow where my sister and I saw the woman’s final, the atmosphere was amazing when England and Australia went to running penalties, I don’t think I’ve ever cheered that much in my life!
What team/club do you support and have you always supported them?
I’ve always supported the team I play for now which is Grove Menziehill, only because my mum has played for them most of her life. My dad on the other hand coached and played for the Wanderers, I would still come along and support their matches when I was young and they would always say “your going to play for us when your older aren’t you?” I didn’t like to disappoint them so I would always nod my head and say “uh huh” but in my head I knew that I would always be one of the ‘Grovies’ (which is what we call ourselves).
What are your sporting goals for the future and where do you see yourself taking your hockey career?
Every hockey player out there would like to play for their country (Great Britain or Scotland) but I am a bit uncertain with where my hockey career will go, I would like to follow my mums footsteps being a double Olympian but right now I am enjoying what I am doing and just seeing where things go. I would like to carry on playing for Scotland up the age groups and if I end up playing for Great Britain then that would be a bonus!
Has hockey always been your sport of choice?
As mentioned, I haven’t always liked hockey, being on the pitch every weekend, watching the same matches in the same place was a bit of a bore for my 6 year old self. I had no other choice but to just stay and watch my mum play (which I got sick of). I wouldn’t say I had another sport that I focused on, I played every sport you could think of, tennis, netball, rounders, athletics, swimming etc, but I didn’t think I would ever play these sports at a higher level, whereas, I knew hockey would come into my life when I was ready.
If you could give one top tip to an aspiring hockey player – what would it be?
My top tip to an aspiring hockey player would be to just enjoy what you do, enjoy playing with your team mates and having fun, because at the end of the day if you don't enjoy what your doing then why are you doing it? Another tip would be to practice as much as you can, even if your practising with a tennis ball and a stick outside in your garden, it'll make your stick skills faster and your hand-eye coordination better and will improve your game on the pitch.
Played at World Cup in Barcelona 2018.
My proudest moment was representing England in the opening parade of the 2016 World Cup in Canberra on my 62nd birthday as Captain of the 60's.
Photo of with the gold medal I have just won as part of the England 60's team that has won the World Grand Masters World Cup in Barcelona! Winning all 6 games beating Argentina in the final 7-0! July 2018
Jean Scott-Miller
What hockey teams/clubs have played a significant part in your development as a player?
I started playing for Crispin Ladies in Street Somerset as a 14 year old button moving to the Midlands I have played for Hampton-in -Arden since 1977
Who and what inspired you to play hockey and was it from a young age?
I was introduced to hockey by my PE teacher and played for her club. The phone would ring mostly on a friday night asking me to play - and my Mum always saying they only asked me as they were short! - but she always let me play so school match Saturday morning, club in the afternoon!
What was/is your greatest hockey achievement?
I was lucky enough to be a Somerset Junior, moving to senior, then Warwickshire and Midlands. However my greatest achievement is Captaining the England 60's to World Cup silver medals in Rotterdam 2014 and Canberra 2016 and European Gold in 2015
If you could go back to one moment of playing hockey when would it be and why?
Playing at Milton Keynes in the National League play off's and my club being promoted because we were a small club and everyone worked so hard to achieve this feat
Who is your all-time favourite hockey hero and what is so special about them?
I grew up watching Val Robinson, going to Wembley every year of my Senior school I though she was fantastic, so skilful and never stopped running
What is your greatest hockey event to watch and have you ever watched it live? If so where was it?
I went to the London Olympics two days to see GB and it was brilliant. Especially so as Sally Walton had been a junior at my Club and I was lucky enough to play with her.
What team/club do you support and have you always supported them?
Hampton -in-Arden Hockey Club has been an integral part of my adult life and I would never contemplate going anywhere else. I umpire and play there and will continue as long as I am able
What are your sporting goals for the future and where do you see yourself taking your hockey career?
I want a Gold medal this summer at the World Cup in Barcelona and Gold in the Europeans next summer!
Has hockey always been your sport of choice?
There has never been another sport other than hockey even though I am a 12 handicap golfer and play tennis!
If you could give one top tip to an aspiring hockey player – what would it be?
Never give up! Always fight and work hard and you will have the respect of your team whatever level you play at.
Equip yourself for hockey
Ready to play hockey ?
- Passion and commitment
- Fitness and agility
- Determination and skill
- Shin pads
- Shinnerz Inner Socks
- Mouth guard and hockey stick
Catching up with 'special' players..
Be inspired by a player who is juggling a student life and playing International level hockey.
If you want to make it at a high level you need to work extremely hard and that may come with sacrificing things however the feeling of wearing a Scotland shirt and representing my country by playing a sport I love is so worth it and I wouldn’t change anything.
Katie Stott, Scotland Hockey.
Interview by Patsie - freelance sports journalist
Katie is an experienced hockey player, learning the game at the same time as learning to walk. We have been speaking to her about her career so far, how she balances a busy university schedule and her aspirations within the sport for the future.
With both parents playing for their country, and her mum playing for GB Katie says she was definitely influenced by family to play, and her parents were her idols. Katie is very grateful as her parents have taught her everything she knows about hockey.
At school Katie loved to get involved in other sports and was in the netball team as well as the hockey team. Skills developed from playing in the netball team, such as agility allowed Katie to improve her fitness in different areas.
Katie is currently studying Biomedical Science at University and when asked if hockey is what she sees her future career to hold, she said that she wants to take her studies further to postgraduate and become a top consultant like her Auntie. However, in terms of hockey she wants to play in the Olympic Games, that is her end goal. In the near future she wishes to play in Germany or Holland for a year after she graduates as the intensity they play at is a lot higher than club level in Scotland.
Her day to day life is very busy. After finishing at university, Katie goes to a school to do some coaching. She then trains for 2 hours at her club and finishes at 9.30pm. Luckily Katie now studies in the same place as her club, but before going to Uni she had to travel a long way to train. Katie says that it is hard to balance, but she has the right dedication and her University supports her and gives her leeway if she needs it.
She plays for the University team when she can, however Scotland training is on Wednesday nights, when Wednesday is the typical afternoon for University matches. Along with this, most teams have socials on Wednesday nights, however Katie says she won’t be attending them when she knows she has training the day after or a match soon after. Social life can be a big issue for young athletes, Katie says that it can be difficult seeing friends going out together and when can’t because of early morning training and keeping fit. However, she loves playing and she wouldn’t change anything for it.
Looking to the future, Katie says that she would be happy with a life in the public eye. It is increasing pressure and Katie realises this, but she says she would enjoy being in the public eye because it is a new experience.
Katie says she has been so lucky with her family’s support. She is very thankful to her parents and they have always taught her that she has to work hard to achieve her goals and that they don’t just come to you on a plate.
To anyone progressing in to a hockey programme, Katie’s advice would be to work hard on skills and fitness. 'If you want to make it at a high level you need to work extremely hard and that may come with sacrificing things however the feeling of wearing a Scotland shirt and representing my country by playing a sport I love is so worth it and I wouldn’t change anything.
Katie is a very motivated and mature person, and we have every belief that she will be able to reach her goals. We wish her all the best.
Eyes on this player...
Highly motivated and starting to trial - we're following this hockey players progress
I really got inspired watching the women’s hockey winning the Olympics in 2016. The penalty shoot out in the final was nerve-wracking and Maddie Hinch was amazing. She then came to visit our school but sadly not being a goalie, I did not get to meet her but saw her and her medal.
Daisy de Watteville
Let's get to know Daisy - by Jemima - sports marketing intern
I have played for Andover U10 and U11 hockey, Winchester U12 and Farleigh School U12. I have attended Marlborough College Summer School doing hockey for the last two summers and various courses run locally (Winchester, Warminster and Marlborough)
I like to play right wing in 7 a-side and right half in 11 a-side.
I really got inspired watching the women’s hockey winning the Olympics in 2016. The penalty shoot out in the final was nerve-wracking and Maddie Hinch was amazing. She then came to visit our school but sadly not being a goalie, I did not get to meet her but saw her and her medal.
So far my greatest hockey achievement is being put forward for U13 Hampshire county trials, having attended the trials where out of 4 regions in the whole county, only 40 have been put forward for JAC assessments, and I am one of them. Hopefully I will get selected.
My all-time favourite hockey hero has to be Maddie Hinch as her determination over the years has been inspiring. She had to really fight for her place in the team having suffered some rejections, and not being selected for the 2012 Olympics but she did not give up and was the hero of the 2016 Olympics and a major part in them winning gold.
I went to the Women's Hockey World Cup in London this summer and watched England live. It was amazing to watch it close-up as you really get to see how fast the ball travels and how incredibly skilled the players are to control the ball and pass accurately and think and act so quickly.
I would love to continue to play hockey at a very good standard. My first goal is to get selected for the Hampshire U13 county team and train with them and continue to improve my game.
Yes I do play other sports - mainly tennis and cricket - but hockey is my passion and I want to really focus on hockey in the future.
My top tip to an aspiring hockey player is to take advantage of every opportunity. I have often been to hockey courses/events when I have not known anyone but I have just got stuck in and enjoyed it and learnt so much.
WOW - he's good ...
brilliant coaches made Tom fall in love with hockey.
Hockey hero is former England and GB captain Barry Middleton. Hard work off the ball and distribution are things I pride myself on
Tom Pittman
I started playing hockey at a tender age of 8, playing hockey at a prep school called Forres Sandle Manor, I had some brilliant coaches who made me fall in love with the sport. But Kings College Taunton was where I really pushed on and fulfilled my potential. Representing at county, regional and national level. Playing at Cannock at Futures Cup, was a real test but improved my hockey massively. Also, the endless weekends of JAC, JDC and JRPC were tough physically and mentally.
Nobody really inspired me to play the sport. We simply had to play a term of hockey at school, and I loved it so much I couldn't stop playing. I started playing at the age of 8 and am still playing at 19.
Being selected to represent West of England was a surreal feeling. I still also remember my 1st School hockey debut at 15, I had never been so nervous surrounded by experienced 18 year old boys! At my last year at King's our 1st's made it through to the last 16, that was a brilliant achievement.
When I was at Prep School we played in a regional Tournament, and the winner would make it through to the nationals. We ended up playing Port Regis, and it all came down to penalty flicks.. playing up a year I had no idea that I would be taking one but I did.. the last, a chance to win it! I remember my mum hiding behind the sports hall as she was too nervous to watch. I scored, much to my and my team mates relief. I remember that moment especially because of the occasion, and the tricky situation I found myself in, it was a brilliant feeling.
My all time hockey hero is former England and GB captain Barry Middleton. He might not be the most flashy player, but the hard work he puts in off the ball and the way he distributes are things I pride myself on. I've learnt a lot by watching him over the years.
I was lucky enough to watch several games at the London 2012 Olympics live. Seeing the best players on the planet do their thing close up was brilliant to see and I learnt a huge amount. This only spurred me on and pushed me harder so I could one day be like them.
I don't like planning to far ahead. It's good to take one game at a time and then evaluate. I would obviously like to play at the highest level possible, as this will just improve my skill level and knowledge of the game. But with so many good players out there the circuit is extremely tough.
Not at all. When I was at school I played as much sport as I could. I played county, Bath and London Irish Academy rugby, while also representing West of England. I competed Nationally in Athletics and played cricket for Somerset Academy. I'm a great believer in playing as much sport as possible, every sport works something different in your body and you will see will how much this helps your hockey.
If I could give one tip to any hockey player it would be that hard work gets you further then talent. Put everything you can into every training session and every game and see where you end up. If it's not what you wanted then at least you can tell yourself that you did everything you possibly could. But most importantly play with a smile on your face and enjoy it!
No favourites... but... our most favourite football player
I just love playing football... Give it everything.... you only have one chance...
Max Thompson, Chelsea FC Academy.
Interview by Patsie Page - freelance sports journalist
Max Thompson is a current academy player with Chelsea FC. We have been speaking to him about his football career so far, his inspirations and his feelings towards the game.
Like many professional sports players do, Max started playing football at the young age of 6. This means that he has already had many years of experience with the game. His father used to play football and was his influence on the game, although never having played professionally himself. This is a common theme with professional sports players – encouragement and guidance from parents or a close individual can completely inspire the player. Perhaps it is the attention or the knowledge that the young player becomes interested in.
Max doesn't play any other sports than football, however says that he has never felt like he has missed out on anything with non-football friends growing up. For Max, football is like one big family, and he says that he has made lots of friends for life through it. With so much time spent at the academy and with these people who have a common interest, it is likely that friendships will be made.
Being part of an academy leads to having a very busy schedule – normally a normal school day and then football but it can vary. Max loves having a busy schedule and he feels unique in a certain way that he has this opportunity that many others would love to be doing. He admits he finds it challenging to balance football with his studies, but he will always complete it, thus showing how dedicated Max is to reach his goals. When asked what he enjoys most about his current life in sport, and if he is having fun, Max replied 'I enjoy everything, I just love playing football.'
Playing at a professional level is his end goal, and it sounds like he has the completely right attitude. If he had the chance, he would like to play abroad because it would be a good experience to play against/with people from another country. To meet this goal, he realises that there may need to be a few sacrifices and one that he mentioned is not being able to do things which other friends can do, such as going out. For young athletes this can be a tricky element, particularly when a player enters the public eye, but Max says he would be happy to have a life in the public eye like other professionals nowadays.
His advice to anyone progressing into an academy is to give it everything. You only have one chance, but the main thing is that you have to enjoy playing. Don’t play because you have to, play because you want to.
Very wise words, which could be given to any young athlete wishing to progress. We wish Max all the best for his career and believe that he has the completely correct attitude and that he can reach his goal!
Wishing you all and other talented athletes a huge amount of success - please keep sharing your journey with us
We feature another players line up with, Max Thompson early days, Chris Allison, Carly Bisset, Ashpal Bhogal (Ash), Kerry-Anne Hastings, Duncan Riddell and Corey Hastings (whose Shinnerz designs feature in our catalogue Hockey and football comic and Football and hockey hero!)
