TThe beauty of hockey is that anyone can play – and the Masters Club Championships provide a brilliant platform for senior players to come together within their age groups, renew old friendships, and rekindle long-standing rivalries. Whether you’re chasing silverware or simply reliving the joy of competition, the Masters Club Championships celebrate the lifelong spirit of the game.
Format and Age Groups
The Masters Championships continue to follow the age group structure introduced in 2024/25, now firmly aligned with the progression of Masters hockey across the country.
The age groups are:
- Over 35s
- Over 45s
- Over 55s
- Over 65s
This alignment reflects that Masters hockey now begins at Over 35, replacing the long-standing Over 40s and Over 50s categories established nearly 30 years ago.
Over 65s Competition
The Over 65s Championships will be contested by County teams, or where approved by the Area Masters Committee, by teams representing two or more Counties.
- Players must represent the County in which their Saturday adult league club plays.
- Counties may field more than one team.
This structure recognises that few clubs can field an Over 65s side solely from their Saturday league teams, while ensuring there remains a clear and fair basis for player selection. It also reflects the continued growth of Masters County activity nationwide.
Club Player Eligibility
To support fair and consistent competition, the following player regulations apply:
Teams may include a maximum of two England Masters players (those who have represented England in the current or previous season), unless those players also represent the club in Saturday league hockey.
- A player may not represent a different club in a Masters Championship at the same age group in which their club has entered a team.
Championship Structure
In all age groups where over 32 or more teams have entered, there is a three-stage structure which provides additional playing opportunities. It also helps to ensure more balanced matches, and guarantees most teams a minimum of three competitive fixtures.
Player Eligibility
Players must have reached the relevant age for their competition year:
For example, in the Over 35s Championships, players must reach 35 on or before 31 December 2027.
Entries open for all Adult Mixed Championships: Friday 31 July 2026
Entries close for all Adult Mixed Championships: Sunday 13 September 2026
For queries, contact the England Hockey Competitions Department
jo.stratfull@englandhockey.co.uk
