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All the news for Thursday 1 August 2019

Pan Am Games 2019 (Women) - Day 4
Lima (PER)

Results

31 Jul 2019     MEX v PER (Pool B)     4 - 0
31 Jul 2019     CHI v USA (Pool B)         2 - 4
31 Jul 2019     URU v CUB (Pool A)     8 - 1
31 Jul 2019     CAN v ARG (Pool A)     0 - 3

Pool Standings

Pool A

Pool B

FIH Match Centre

USA, Argentina emerge with second victories on Day 3

Ali Baggott

 
Photo: Yan Huckendubler

On Day 3 pool-play action continued with Mexico beating Peru. USA scored four goals in the fourth quarter to beat Chile 4-2. Uruguay was firing on penalty corners to drop Cuba in a convincing 8-1 victory, while the Leonas earned their second win of the tournament, 3-0 over Canada.

WOMEN Pool B: Mexico vs. Peru (4-0)

Arlette Estrada scored two goals to propel Mexico to a 4-0 victory over hosts Peru in Day 3 action at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima. Chiara Conetta had a solid performance in goal to keep a spirited Peru team pushing for their first goal of the tournament.

Read more…

WOMEN Pool B: Chile vs. USA (2-4)

The USA scored four goals in a six-minute span in the fourth quarter to erase a two-goal deficit and beat Chile 4-2 in pool-play action. Erin Matson's back-hand smash triggered the momentum shift despite Chile controlling the earlier parts of the game. USA move to the top of Pool B with two wins.

Read more…

WOMEN Pool A: Uruguay vs. Cuba (8-1)

Uruguay earned their first win of the tournament after a convincing 8-1 victory over Cuba. Agustina Taborda’s deliveries on penalty corners were in excellent form as Uruguay scored six of their goals on set pieces.

Read more...

WOMEN Pool A: Canada vs. Argentina (0-3)

Argentina blanked Canada on goals from the three most veteran players on the team - Carla Rebecchi, Noel Barrionuevo and Piti d'Elia. The Canadians fought hard but were unable to match the No. 3-ranked Leonas.

Read more...

Women’s pool-play matches conclude on August 2 with Uruguay vs. Canada (10:00), USA vs. Peru (12:00), Argentina vs. Cuba (14:00) and Mexico vs. Chile (16:00). Game times are local to Lima, Peru (-5 GTM). Follow the Pan American Hockey Federation on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook at @panamhockey and online at panamhockey.org for the latest information.

Pan American Hockey Federation media release

USWNT Produces Impressive Comeback to Defeat Chile in Second Pool Match of Pan American Games


Image Taken by Mark Palczewski

LIMA, Peru - July 31, 2019 - Facing a familiar foe, No. 13 U.S. Women’s National Team took on No. 15 Chile in their second game of the Pan American Games at the Villa Maria del Triunfo complex in Lima, Peru. From the instant the whistle blew, both teams brought intensity as they sought to remain undefeated in pool play. Chile put away the first two goals, but USA prevailed producing four goals in the final quarter to take the 4-2 comeback win.

The beginning of the first quarter saw most of its action between the 25-yard lines. Four minutes into the match, Mackenzie Allessie (Mount Joy, Pa.) earned the first penalty corner for USA that led to a second. The second attempt, taken by Ali Froede (Burke, Va.), was stopped and pushed out by a diving Chile goalkeeper Claudia Schuler. USA came close to scoring again as Amanda Magadan (Randolph, N.J.) sent a ball across the goal to Linnea Gonzales (Bel Air, Md.) who was unable to get a stick on it. Las Damas created their own opportunities as Josefa Villalabeitia caught the USA defense off guard halfway through the quarter forcing goalkeeper Kelsey Bing (Houston, Texas) to make a save while Julia Young (Yorktown, Va.) cleared it forward. With three minutes to go in the quarter, Chile was awarded their first penalty corner. After the initial shot was stopped by Bing, Maria de las Heras got the ball by the right post and hit it into the net. The quarter closed with Chile leading 0-1.

Chile looked to control the momentum of the second quarter coming off the quarter ending goal, but USA's strong defense handled each threat. As they broke up Chile’s plays, the red, white and blue created a few chances of their own as the quarter went on. A quick pick up in the midfield by Kathleen Sharkey (Moosic, Pa.) found Anna Dessoye (Mountaintop, Pa.) who ran ahead on the left sideline. She entered the circle and pushed it on goal, but Chile cleared it out. Las Damas countered off the restart to earn a free hit outside their attacking 25. A hard ball into the circle was tipped and forced Bing to make a diving save to her right. With 1-minute to go in the half, USA pressed harder to challenge the Chile defense. The score stood in favor of Las Damas 0-1 going into halftime.

As the second half began, USA wasted no time working the ball into Chile’s defensive end. The opposition's defense put a stop to the drive before USA could develop the play. At the 10-minute mark, Las Damas earned their second penalty corner. A textbook execution started with the drag by Fernanda Villagran that went down to Manuela Urroz Richter who reverse deflected it over Bing to give Chile a two-goal lead. Seconds later, USA looked to answer with a goal to cut the deficit as Sharkey earned their third penalty corner. Ashley Hoffman (Mohnton, Pa.) took the drag, but Schuler turned it away with her glove. Chile continued to knock without result as USA’s composed defense cleared the danger. The red, white and blue saw an opportunity at the final minute of the quarter when a scramble ended with Sharkey sending a hard shot just wide. Chile counterattacked, and they were awarded their third penalty corner of the match that was taken by Losada Krimerman but Hoffman stopped and cleared the shot. As time ran out, USA trailed 0-2.

The final quarter action got underway with USA's press remaining relentless against the Chile defense. With 11 minutes to go, a long hit restart by Casey Umstead (Green Lane, Pa.) sent the ball hard into the circle. It deflected off Alyssa Manley (Lititz, Pa.) and fell to Matson who ripped a backhand into the net to give USA their first goal. A minute later after regaining possession, USA struck again when Lauren Moyer (York, Pa.) got a touch on a pass from Matson to tie the game. USA used the momentum to earn a penalty corner as Allessie found a foot deep in the circle two minutes following. Off the penalty corner, Froede's sweep was deflected in off a Chile defender, putting USA ahead 3-2. The scoring continued in the 56th minute as Sharkey added a fourth goal when she took the direct shot on USA’s fifth penalty corner of the match. Chile tried to catch up, but USA’s defense stood strong. With four goals in the fourth quarter, USA defeated Chile 4-2.

For their next match of the 2019 Pan American Games, the U.S. Women's National Team will face hosts No. 38 Peru on Friday, August 2 at 1:00 p.m. ET. Tomorrow, the U.S. Men's National Team will take on Canada at 1:00 p.m. ET.

USFHA media release

Argentina secures top spot in Pool A with 3-0 win over Canada

World-Number-3 Argentina outlasts Canada in second round action

By: Ali Baggott


Photo: Yan Huckendubler

It was evident from the opening whistle that both Argentina and Canada’s defence were going to be very stingy. Argentina was able to capitalize early as Maria Granatto weaved her way in to the Canadian circle earning a penalty corner. Piti d’Elia had the crowd, that included four-time Olympian and eight-time FIH Player of the Year Luciana Aymar, on their feet when she blasted her shot in to the bottom right corner. From there the game was played between the 25 yard lines with Argentina edging in possession. D’Elia had one more penalty corner chance before the end of the quarter but Danielle Hennig was there to deny the deflection opportunity to Victoria Granatto.

Canada had their first chance at goal on a penalty corner but Sara McManus’ sweep shot was turned away before it got to Belen Succi in the Argentina goal. Moments later Carla Rebecchi looked dangerous down the left side of the field and her pass across the goal allowed Argentina another chance from the top of the arc. This time, Rebecchi took aim but she wasn’t able to pick up the ball for the flick. Noel Barrionuevo grabbed the loose ball and threw a shot on goal but Kaitlyn Williams made the glove save. Canada’s nerves started to show through the later moments in the half as passes weren’t connecting but they were tight in the back field to keep the game just 1-0 for Argentina by half time.

Rebecchi created her own opportunity in the 34th minute as she picked up a ball near the sideline that the teams seemed to pause on. Rebecchi weaved her way to the top of the circle and floated the ball towards goal. McManus went to grab the ball in front of Williams but the ball popped back to Rebecchi who flipped the ball in to the goal on her back hand for a 2-0 Argentina lead.

Agustina Albertario had the next best chance for Argentina as she turned Karli Johansen and Hennig and released a shot on her back hand. The ball ricocheted off Williams’ pads and out. Canada’s composure paid off in the final minutes of the third quarter as both Rebecchi and Granatto served green card suspensions for late tackles. Canada was unable to capitalize with the extra person.

In the 54th minute, Canada finally broke through on a run by Stephanie Norlander whose back-hand attempt to team mate Maddie Secco was disrupted by Succi resulted in a penalty corner. A well-executed option from Hennig back to Hannah Haughn, who pulled the ball out, fell short as Succi slid across to make the save.

Argentina had another penalty corner in the final minutes of the game and this time Noel Barrionuevo showed the depth of the Leonas’ penalty corner unit. Barrionuevo, the highest-capped player at the tournament (350), beat Williams glove side just above the backboard to secure the third and final goal for Argentina.

According to Hennig, Canada will focus on the things they did well and prepare their best for the Uruguay game on Friday. “No matter who we are playing, we’re looking to play our best. We’ve been trying to play a high-speed game. I think today we came up short on some areas but also had positives to go forward into the tournament,” Hennig said. “It’s a trademark of Canadian hockey to be gritty and resilient.”

With the 3-0 victory Argentina lock up top spot in Pool A with just winless Cuba left to play. Canada will need to dig into some of that grit and resilience when they face Uruguay for the second spot in the pool on Friday.


Photo: Yan Huckendubler

Field Hockey Canada media release

Pan Am Games 2019 (Men) - Day 4
Lima (PER)

Fixtures (GMT -5)

1 Aug 2019 10:00     MEX v PER (Pool B)
1 Aug 2019 12:00     USA v CAN (Pool B)
1 Aug 2019 14:00     CHI v CUB (Pool A)
1 Aug 2019 16:00     TTO v ARG (Pool A)

NB: there is no live streaming until the Semi-final stages

Pool Standings

Pool A

Pool B

FIH Match Centre

Live From Lima: Scouting Report - USMNT vs. Canada



As a lead up to today’s Pan American Games (PAG) match-up, here are a few details you’ll want to know before the starting whistle.

Game Day: Thursday, August 1, 2019

Time: 1:00 p.m. ET

Opponent: Canada

FIH World Ranking: 10

2015 Pan American Games Finish: 2

Current Pan American Games Record: 1-0-0

Last Time USA Played Opponent: The most recent matchup between the USMNT and Canada was back in 2018 during the 5 Nations Invitational Tournament held in Malaga, Spain. Canada was able to put two goals in for an early lead over USA, but resilience paid off as Tyler Sundeen (Simi Valley, Ca.) deflected a penalty corner shot to cut the deficit in half. The neighbors to the north had the last say, sneaking one past the USA defense after a foul went uncalled on their way to a 3-1 win. Just a few months prior, these teams met in the semifinals of the 2017 men's Pan American Cup in Lancaster, Pa. In that match, both teams scored, creating a 1-1 stalemate at the end of regulation as the game moved to a shootout. Canada prevailed 4-3 to send USA into the bronze medal game.

What You Need to Know: Canada’s first match of the 2019 Pan American Games against No. 32 Mexico started slow with Canada using the backfield to work their way around the high press of Mexico. Once Oliver Scholfield scored in the first quarter, the team went on to tally two more in the first half. Mexico answered early in the third quarter off a penalty corner drag flick, but Canada held a four-goal lead for the remainder of the match. Scholfield and Mark Pearson both contributed two of Canada’s goals. The USMNT is coming off a 16-0 victory over the host nation with eight different players contributing to the score, including Deegan Huisman (Almere, The Netherlands) who tallied five.

Canada Roster:
#            Name     Caps
3            Brandon Pereira      55
4            Scott Tupper (C)      301
8          Oliver Scholfield      58
10            Keegan Pereira      168
11            Balraj Panesar      65
14            Adam Froese      184
16            Gordan Johnston      166
17            Brenden Bissett      125
18            James Wallace      36
19            Mark Pearson      269
20            Fin Boothroyd      16
22            John Smythe      107
23          Iain Smythe      196
24            James Kirkpatrick      86
27            Sukhi Panesar      138
29            Taylor Curran      174
30            David Carter (GK)      188
                   
            Head Coach: Paul Bundy      
            Assistant Coach: Gregg Clark      
            Manager: Kelly Vanry      

USFHA media release

EuroHockey Championship II (Men) 2019 - Day 4
Cambrai, France

Results

31 Jul 2019     AUT v ITA (Pool A)         2 - 0
31 Jul 2019     UKR v RUS (Pool A)     3 - 5
31 Jul 2019     CZE v POL (Pool B)     0 - 0
31 Jul 2019     FRA v BLR (Pool B)         3 - 1

! August is a rest day

Final Pool Standings

Pool A

Pool B

FIH Match Centre

EuroHockey Championship III (Men) 2019 - Day 4
Gibraltar, Gibraltar

Results

31 Jul 2019     POR v SVK (Pool B)     8 - 5
31 Jul 2019     MLT v CRO (Pool B)     2 - 5
31 Jul 2019     LTU v TUR (Pool A)        2 - 4
31 Jul 2019     SUI v GIB (Pool A)         3 - 0

! August is a rest day

FInal Pool Standings

Pool A

Pool B

FIH Match Centre

EuroHockey Championship III (Women) 2019 - Day 4
Lipovci, Slovenia

Results

31 Jul 2019     LTU v HUN (Pool B)     9 - 1
31 Jul 2019     SVK v SUI (Pool B)         1 - 3
31 Jul 2019     SLO v CRO (Pool A)     0 - 7

! August is a rest day

FInal Pool Standings

Pool A

Pool B

FIH Match Centre

Unified body to run Masters Hockey



Masters hockey is one of the fastest growing sectors within hockey participation as more and more people either continue their playing careers or return to the sport after a break.

With more than 2,000 players competing in the Exin Masters World Cup in Terrassa, Spain and more than 1,200 players at the Grand Masters World Cup in Barcelona, Spain in 2018, there is clearly a huge appetite for hockey at all age groups.

In the past, providing playing opportunities for the Masters age groups, has been the responsibility of two separate organisations, the International Masters Hockey Association (IMHA) and the World Grand Masters Association (WGMA).

The first IMHA Masters tournament was held in 1981, with the majority of participants from the Oceania and Asian regions. Both popularity and age span widened so that the WGMA was formed to provide for the older age groups. By the early 21st century, the number of teams taking part in either a IMHA or WGMA event stood at more than 150 competing teams.

The two organisations continued to run international hockey events for hockey players from the O35s to the O75s+ for many years, with some cross-over, so an amalgamation of the two was an obvious move. It would allow organisers to pool resource and knowledge and lend a much more streamlined and cohesive structure to the Masters Hockey scene.

For the unification to occur was always going to take time and plenty of discussion but in March 2019 the final EGMs of both bodies – the IMHA in Tilburg and the WGMA in Glasgow and Barcelona – approved the new World Masters Hockey (WMH) as the single overseeing body for Masters hockey. An interim Executive Board set the timescales for getting the new hockey body up and running.

And the newly formed WMH has the backing of the FIH, with the international body recognising the WMH as the only Masters Hockey organisation with the authority to arrange international Masters Hockey events around the world.

All of which makes for exciting times. The first major events to be run by the new WMH will be the World Cups in 2020. Four events will be taking place across three venues (still to be finalised). England will be hosting the O35 and O40 Men and Women; South Africa will be home to the O45 and O50 Men and Women as well as the O55 Men, the O55, O60 and O65 Women. South Africa will also host the newly-created Spirit of Masters Men’s and Women’s event for non elite participants to run at the same time.

The fourth event, the O60, O65, O70, O75 and Tournament Trophy for men will all be held in Japan.

The dates for the events are: England 8-17 August; South Africa 19-29 September and Japan 14-24 October.

Jon Wyatt, FIH Sport and Development Director, said: “One of the great benefits of hockey is that it truly is a sport for all. Masters hockey has seen fantastic growth in recent decades due to the huge amount of voluntary work and effort that has gone in, particularly by the leadership and organisers of events under the IMHA and WGMA banners.

"With this greater popularity and interest from more people in continuing playing hockey into later years, has come a need for a single Masters organisation to manage and run top quality events, and we are very pleased that the two organisations have worked closely together to create World Masters Hockey. We look forward to seeing masters hockey continue to grow under the stewardship of WMH, and wish all players and teams good luck in the World Cups being held around the world next year”.

#HockeyMasters

FIH site

It is an honour and big responsibility to lead India: Harmanpreet Singh

The tournament starts on August 17.


Harmanpreet Singh @Twitter:

The captaincy announcement came as a surprise to him but India drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh said on Wednesday he is up for the challenge in the upcoming Olympic Test event.

In the absence of regular skipper Manpreet Singh, who has been rested along with a few senior players, Harmanpreet will wear the captain's armband in the Test event involving India, Malaysia, New Zealand and hosts Japan.

The tournament starts on August 17.

"When I was told that I would be leading the team, it was a pleasant surprise. It is an honour and big responsibility. I am excited and looking forward to the challenge," said Harmanpreet, who was part of India's Junior World Cup winning side in 2016.

Harmanpreet was one of the youngest in the Indian team that played at the 2016 Rio Olympics, a place he secured after a memorable outing in the FIH Champions Trophy in London only months before the sporting extravaganza.

India won a historic silver medal at the 2016 FIH Champions Trophy, and Harmanpreet was adjudged the Rising Player of the Tournament.

"When I look back, I feel fortunate to have come into the Indian team at a time when there were stalwarts from whom I could learn a lot. Players like Sardar Singh and VR Raghunath had a positive impact during my nascent days in the senior team and their guidance helped me soak up the pressure of international hockey," he said.

Talking about the upcoming tournament, Harmanpreet said he is eyeing nothing less than the top spot in his maiden assignment as skipper.

"Malaysia, Japan and New Zealand are good teams to play against and see where we stand as a unit ahead of the Olympic Qualifiers. Malaysia recently beat Germany in a match and Japan too are doing well while New Zealand is coming into the event with good exposure from the FIH Pro League," he said.

"In the absence of senior players who are rested, it is important we step up our game. We are well-prepared. We will be playing every match with the intent to win."

Daily News & Analysis

South Africa Under 21 Squad and coach announced


SA U21 coach Lenise Marais in her playing days

The South African Hockey Association has today announced the South African Women’s Under 21 Hockey Team for the Senior Inter Provincial Tournament in Bloemfontein between 26 and 31 August. South African Hockey has also taken the opportunity to announce Lenise Marais as the new South African U21 Coach.

Leno, as she was known in her playing days, had a stellar playing career with South Africa earning 232 caps for the country including participating at the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games, as well as Commonwealth Games and Hockey World Cups. As a coach she led the SA U18 girls in 2018 to a historic 3-0 series victory over Australia.

Lenise has also served as the SA Under 21 assistant coach under Robin van Ginkel previously and recently completed her FIH Level 3 course in Malaysia.

“I am incredibly honoured to be appointed to this position. I have worked with a lot of the girls in the Schools structure and I am excited to see where we can take this. There are some fantastic players in the system, and I hope that from my experience I will be able to help them reach their potential. I am also looking to learn and grow as a coach myself and this opportunity affords me that exactly! I really believe this group has the potential to achieve something special” shared the newly appointed head coach.

The SA U21 squad of 18-players features a blend of players born in 1998, 1999 and 2000 in order to build the squad towards the Junior Hockey World Cup qualifiers. Several the players are currently taking part in the CTM Premier Hockey League in the Namaqualand Daisies squad that has made the semi-finals in this year’s tournament.

There is also a strong contingent from the SA U18 side that featured in Buenos Aires in Argentina last year including Mishka Ellis, Ammaarah Hendricks and Kayla de Waal all included in the side. While South African Indoor National Edith Molikoe and newly called up outdoor squad member Thati Zulu are included, adding a steel to the squad.

Sare Laubser and Jean-Leigh du Toit have been particularly impressive in this years Premier Hockey League and their form rightfully see’s them called up to the squad for the Bloemfontein tournament. With national coach Robin van Ginkel showing an openness to exposing younger players to International Hockey it also offers a tantalizing opportunity for players to get themselves in the thoughts of the national selectors.

South African Women’s U21 Squad for IPT 2019

No. Name. Province

1 Anke Badenhorst. Free State
2 Mia Barnaard. North West
3 Kayla de Waal. Western Province
4 Jean-Leigh du Toit. Northern Blues
5 Mishka Ellis. North West
6 Shelmy Hall. Western Province
7 Ammaarah Hendricks. Western Province
8 Lezaan Janse van Vuuren. Southern Gauteng
9 Sare Laubser. North West
10 Leratho Mahole. Northern Blues
11 Kelsey Minnaar. North West
12 Edith Molikoe. Eastern Province
13 Lethabo Nkoe. Southern Gauteng
14 Maboloke Serage. Western Province
15 Sasha Siversten. Western Province
16 Ashleigh Thomas. Northern Blues
17 Laila Williams. Eastern Province
18 Thati Zulu. Northern Blues

SA Hockey Association media release

Haris helps PQA thump Wapda-W in Noor Khan Hockey

ISLAMABAD - Haris excelled in Port Qasim Authority’s (PQA) thumping 4-1 victory over Wapda Whites in the 65th Muhammad Noor Khan National Hockey Championship 2019 match at Abdul Sattar Edhi National Hockey Stadium, Karachi on Wednesday. 

In the first match of the day, PQA thumped Wapda Whites 4-1. The first goal was scored in the third quarter, when Haris fired in a field goal while Ali Raza made it 2-0. Wapda also struck one to make it 2-1. PQA added two more goals in the fourth quarter to win the match 4-1. 

In the last encounter of pool matches, Army Whites routed Marri Petroleum Cooperation Limited (MPCL) 2-0. Army scored the first goal through Muzammil while converted the second through Muhammad Ahmed to win the match 2-0.

The quarterfinals line-up has been finalised after Wednesday’s matches. In the first quarterfinal to be held today (Thursday), Army take on Wapda Whites at 9am, while in the second quarterfinal at 11am, Navy face NBP, in the third quarterfinal, Wapda take on PIA at 2:30pm and in the fourth and last quarterfinal, SSGC play against Army Whites at 4:30pm.

The Nation

Indian teams beat Mombasa's top clubs

By Ernest Ndunda


Kenya Police Hockey team celebrate after beating Sai India 1-0 at Sikh Union, Nairobi. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

India’s Sports Association of India (SAI) proved their mettle as they beat Mombasa teams in two friendly matches at Mombasa Sports Club on Tuesday evening.

India’s ladies side thrashed Mombasa Sports Club 6-0 as their men’s side humbled Mombasa junior side 3-0.

In the ladies match, Nanisha Chauhan struck a hat-trick in the fourth, 43rd and 58th minute with Latla Naru scoring twice in the 34th and 50th minute. Sujata Kujur added the sixth goal in the 15th minute. Mombasa Sports Club had little to offer as their strikers Betty Simiyu and Ann Wairimu.

In men’s battle, Sachin put the visitors ahead in the fourth minute before Manish Shahani and Razat Minz scored a goal each in the ninth and 13th minute respectively. Norbert Sije and Calvin Omondi made brilliant moves for the Mombasa side but India’s goalkeeper Ankit Nalik remained steadfast.

The two sides clash in their last matches today at the same venue. The Indian sides took part in last week’s Nairobi Simba open hockey tournament held at Sikh Union ground.

The visitor’s ladies team won the Nairobi Simba open tournament after beating African ladies champions Telkom Kenya 1-0 in the finals. In men’s category, the Indian side humiliated Nairobi Simba 6-1 and went ahead to stop Green Sharks 4-0. The Indians went ahead to thrash USIU 5-1 before narrowly losing 0-1 to Kenya Police in finals.

The Standard Digital

Shepparton Gets Ready to Welcome 250 Country Championships Athletes

Mitch Wynd



Two decades after hosting the Country Championships for the first time, Shepparton welcomes back 12 teams across both genders, volunteers, fans and supporters for the 2019 Championships.

Hockey Australia CEO Matt Favier said the event was a great celebration for hockey in Australia.

“The game has significant regional roots and Shepparton is a great example of that, with champions such as the 1996 Atlanta Olympic gold medal Hockeyroos player Louise Dobson calling Shepparton home.

“We cannot thank our partner Greater Shepparton City Council enough for making the year’s event happen along with the Goulburn Valley Hockey Association for their support,” Favier said, wishing participants and spectators a wonderful championship.

Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor Councillor Kim O’Keeffe said it was wonderful for Greater Shepparton to be able to host another fabulous national event in our region.

“It is a great accomplishment the new $21 million Shepparton Sports City precinct has enabled us to host amazing events such as these to bring so many people from around Australia to play hockey in Greater Shepparton,” Cr O’Keefe said.

“These events strengthen our reputation as the leading sporting and events capital of regional Australia and keep our local economy strong and businesses thriving. We look forward to partnering with Hockey Australia and the Goulburn Valley Hockey Association to deliver a first class event for all our visitors,” said Cr O’Keefe.

The Country Championships will be played from August 3 – 11 with six men’s and six women’s teams representing West Australia, New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria, Queensland and the Australian Defence Force competing. The championships will be held at the Shepparton Sports Precinct.

Three men’s and three women’s games are played each day aside from Tuesday August 6 and Friday August 9, which are both all team rest days. The women’s bronze medal match is played on August 11 at 12pm, while the gold medal match is played at 2pm. The men’s bronze medal match is played on August 11 at 10am, while the gold medal match is played the same day at 4pm.

Hockey Australia wishes all participants, officials, volunteers and fans a wonderful championship, and once again thanks our major event sponsor, The Greater Shepparton City Council and event partner Goulburn Valley Hockey Association for their support.

What: Australian Hockey Country Championships
When: August 3-11
Where: Shepparton Sports Precinct Cnr of Brauman Street and Numurkah Road, Shepparton, VIC, 3630

Hockey Australia media release

Nick Pink appointed as new Chief Executive of England Hockey



England Hockey is delighted to announce the appointment of Nick Pink as their new Chief Executive to succeed Sally Munday who moves to UK Sport in the Autumn.

Nick joins England Hockey with a wealth of experience in the sports sector. He is currently Chief Executive of England Golf where he has successfully launched their new strategy prior to which he spent four years with the International Cricket Council. In the earlier part of his career Nick held roles with UK Sport and Youth Sport Trust. A keen sportsman, Nick is a hockey enthusiast as both a player and a qualified coach.

Chair of England Hockey, Royston Hoggarth said, “The Board and I are very pleased to welcome Nick to the team. He joins us at a really exciting time, a year out from the Tokyo Olympic Games. The sport of hockey is in a fantastic place to continue to grow. We have doubled the number of young people in our clubs; hosted major tournaments including the Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup last year and, more recently, welcomed more than 12,000 people to The Stoop in June for the last games of this year’s FIH Pro League to witness a new innovation in 'Big Stadium Hockey' with our drop-in pitch technology.”

Of his appointment Nick said, "I am delighted to be joining England Hockey at this very exciting time and I can't wait to start. I have been hugely impressed with what the organisation has achieved through Sally's leadership and I look forward to working with the whole team, as well as the many clubs, counties, players, coaches and volunteers who make hockey so successful at every level."

Nick will start with England Hockey in late Autumn.

England Hockey Board Media release

Teamo Becomes an Approved Provider for England Hockey



Sportplan Ltd product, Teamo, are pleased to become an England Hockey Approved Provider of Club Management Software for the 2019/20 season.

Teamo offers volunteer coaches and team managers with a mobile platform to manage selection and availability, stay connected with players via group chats and collect payments all via a personalised app. Fully GDPR-compliant, teamo creates a safe online space to store member information and handle admin tasks across all platforms.

England Hockey's innovative partnership scheme, launched in 2018, echoes teamo's values of 'making the lives of club volunteers and administrators easier'. The scheme ensures key information such as fixtures, results and league tables are available across multiple systems rather than restricted to one, meaning clubs don't have to duplicate their data onto separate platforms.

The partnership will allow teamo users to access data easier and faster, allowing them more time to enjoy the more exciting parts of hockey. The platform is however not solely exclusive to one sport - teamo is already making club management easier for teams & clubs in a variety of sports and is free to get started today.

John Nurse, Sportplan & teamo CEO said:

"Teamo are delighted to be involved with England Hockey. Teamo has become a leading team and club management platform in the UK, for hockey and other sports. We look forward to continuing our work with clubs throughout the country, and are excited to now be involved with England Hockey as we work together to make it easier for club administrators to share important data across systems

Make running a sports club simple with Sportplan & teamo to relieve the stress for your volunteer coaches and administrators. #MakeCoachingEasy

Sportplan media release

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In Memory of AstroTurf's Andy Belles



COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - USA Field Hockey is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Andy Belles, AstroTurf's International Field Hockey Sales Director. "Mr. AstroTurf" spent the past several years making a major impact and countless friendships in the field hockey community in the United States. Our deepest condolences go out to the Belles and AstroTurf families.

“Andy was a great guy, a true friend and a solid supporter of our sport," said Simon Hoskins, USA Field Hockey's Executive Director. "He was committed to advancing field hockey and made a significant impact with his enthusiasm and passion leading to AstroTurf surfaces being put down across the country which have provided such wonderful field hockey experiences to so many. His charisma and deep relationships with the field hockey community were so admirable, he will be missed by all those whose lives he touched."

Andy unwaveringly served his company, his clients and his industry throughout his four-decade career in sports surfacing.  He held a variety of positions over the years, including a term as the President of the American Sports Builders Association.

Andy spent the last half of his career as “Mr. AstroTurf” – a very symbol of the brand he loyally served for more than 20 years as a patent holder, product developer, marketer, and liaison to various groups like the FIH, USA Field Hockey, National Field Hockey Coaches Association, European Hockey Association, Synthetic Turf Council, and American Sports Builders Association.  In 2017, Andy was inducted into the AstroTurf Legacy Club – an honor reserved for leaders who have achieved exceptional influence on the brand and the industry.  He was a fount of institutional knowledge and an expert in his field – especially within the field hockey discipline.

Perhaps the most lasting impact he had on the sports surfacing industry came from his relationships with clients and with colleagues alike.  Anyone who met Andy was touched by his amiable personality, his wit, and his genuine interest in others’ well-being. He took the time to mentor young talent and to nurture the best in people.  He advocated for his clients and their needs.  He was generous with his knowledge, his time, and his spirit.  He lived life to the fullest.

“Andy’s joy warmed everyone he encountered,” said Heard Smith, CEO of Sport Group North America.  “He loved what he did, and he was a role model for all of us who had the privilege of knowing him.  He will be deeply missed.”

Over the last year, Andy had the opportunity to teach others how to walk through illness with grace, dignity, honesty, and humility. His positive attitude was unmistakable and infectious.

Andy Belles is survived by a large, loving family.  He will be deeply missed by all who had the honor of knowing him.

A Memorial Service for Andy Belles will be held on Tuesday, August 6th, 2019 at Dalton Funeral Home. Visitation with the family will be from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm with the service taking place at 3:00 PM. Dalton Funeral Home is located at 620 South Glenwood Avenue, Dalton, GA 30721

Content Courtesy of AstroTurf

USFHA media release