The beauty of hockey is that anyone can play - and the Masters 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 Championships celebrate the lifelong spirit of the game.
The Championships for this season are now underway and all registered Liaison Officers have now received full information on how to access draws, documents, and updates for their competitions. Going forward, all draws and key information will be available via the shared Google Drive, rather than sent out by email. This ensures you always have the latest information at your fingertips - no more waiting for messages or searching through your inbox.
If you’re a registered Liaison Officer and have not yet received access, please contact jo.stratfull@englandhockey.co.uk
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 for 2025/26:
- 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 2026.
Missed Out This Season?
If your club didn’t enter this year but would like to take part in future seasons, you can join the waiting list to be among the first to hear when entries open.
Email jo.stratfull@englandhockey.co.uk to register your interest.
(Although if you’re quick, teams contacting Jo by 9th November may still be able to enter this season!)
