Field hockey is a fun and exciting pastime that is accessible to almost anyone, from very young children to the elderly; sporting fanatics and those with who have never played a sport in their lives; and people with physical and learning disabilities.
As a lifelong hockey fan, Fiyaz Mughal played the game until the age of 18 and continues to enjoy watching the England hockey team’s matches as an adult. England Hockey provides support to clubs and a variety of educational establishments, offering guidance on various different types of hockey designed to get everyone involved. In the PDF attachment you can find out more about Flyerz Hockey, aimed at those with disabilities.
England Hockey Player Pathway
The Player Pathway is designed for young people aged between 13 and 20 who are serious about playing hockey and want to fully realise their own potential as a player, hockey coach or volunteer. The Player Pathway is made up of several tiers and can be accessed at many locations across the UK. This begins with Development Centres acting as an entry point for players aged between 13 and 17, ranges up through increasing levels of ability and commitment including the opportunity to obtain certification, and finally offering an elite training environment for players in the Under-21 league to transition to a senior game.
Quicksticks
Quicksticks is designed for young players as an entry point into the game. It is played with just four members on each team and uses a larger, softer ball for safety. The rules of standard 11-a-side hockey have been simplified or removed altogether to make the game easier to understand, which results in Quicksticks being easier to play and also easier to deliver from a training perspective.
In2Hockey
In2Hockey follows naturally from the introduction to the game of Quicksticks, focusing on a 10 to 14-year old age range. In2Hockey seeks to help young players progress gradually towards the 11-a-side game, played with either six players per team or six players and one goalkeeper. The smaller teams also play on a smaller pitch, approximately half the size of a regular hockey pitch. Goalkeepers, penalty strokes and penalty corners, none of which are used in Quicksticks, are introduced gradually to allow the players to get used to them.
Small-Sided Hockey
Players of any age can participate in small-sided hockey, which is played with anywhere between five and seven players on each team and over a smaller playing area. It can be played with or without goalkeepers and is adapted to suit the players. The smaller team sizes mean each player is likely to have more time on the ball, while the smaller playing area means clubs can make the best use of their space to get more people involved. In the short video attachment you can find out about Rush Hockey, a version of small-sided hockey.
Walking Hockey
Just as the name suggests, Walking Hockey is a version of the game where players walk rather than run. It is designed for individuals who want to play and maintain an active lifestyle, but who want or need a game that is less demanding physically than regular field hockey. Walking Hockey provides all the same social benefits and many of the same fitness benefits but is less physically stressful, making it more accessible to those who might for whatever reason be unable to maintain the pace of regular hockey.
The infographic attachment has some facts about player participation in field hockey in the UK in recent years.