The England Hockey Awards, proudly presented by Notts Sport, took place on Saturday 7 June 2025, at the Athena in Leicester. After a spectacular evening of celebration, we are thrilled to present the deserving winners of this year's awards. A massive congratulations to all who were nominated, shortlisted, and especially to those who took home an award.
Below, you'll find the complete list of winners for each category, highlighting the outstanding contributions that continue to make our sport thrive.
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Men’s Senior Performance Player
Winner: Zach Wallace
One of the most experienced athletes in the England team, Zach continues to develop as a world class player and consistently delivers outstanding performances. He is a great asset to the England team and his contributions have been crucial to the success of the team over the past year having played in all of GB’s 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Zach continued his success into club hockey and played a pivotal role in reaching both the Hockey India League and EHL (Euro Hockey League) finals with Hyderabad Toofans and HC Bloemendaal respectively.
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Women's Senior Performance Player
Winner: Sophie Hamilton
Over the past 12 months Sophie has really developed as a player and a leader in the England team. She has grown in her confidence and subsequently has consistently delivered her individual role to help the team. At the age-of-24, Sophie has already made 93 senior international caps for England and GB. Sophie has played a pivotal role in the last four FIH Hockey Pro League campaigns while also playing in all of GB’s six matches at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. The consistency of her technical skills has been outstanding and she has really embraced taking on leadership roles within the team. Her teammates reflect so positively on the continued progress Sophie is making and can’t wait to see the next chapters of her development.
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Men’s Junior Performance Player
Winner: Max Anderson
Max has made huge strides during the last 12 months as a player and a leader. He is a popular member of the squad who leads by example with a great work ethic and desire to improve. He was captain of the England U21 team for the European Cup in 2024 where the team successfully qualified for the 2025 Junior World Cup and a pivotal member of the GB U21 team that were crowned champions in the Sultan of Johor Cup 2024 beating Australia 3:2 in the final.
In his first year since joining Surbiton Hockey Club he showcased his skill & speed playing in his first ever Euro Hockey League matches and was a key member of the team that were crowned national champions after defeating Old Georgians in the premier league play off finals at Beeston. He scored a key winning goal in the BUCS final when representing the University of Nottingham who defeated Loughborough in the final & were crowned BUCS champions. -
Women's Junior Performance Player
Winner: Molly Smith
Molly thoroughly deserves to receive the accolade of Junior Performance Player of the Year having established herself as one of the most promising young goalkeepers not only in England but across Europe and, arguably further afield.
She matches the huge amount of natural ability that she possesses with a passion and desire to keep improving and dedication to work hard whether on the pitch, in the gym or when reviewing video. As a teammate, she is demanding yet caring and supportive. She is the life and soul of the U21 group when it comes to developing team culture and creating a positive high performing environment.
This award follows her success at the U21 European Hockey Championships in July 2024 where she helped the side win bronze and was voted Goalkeeper of the tournament in the process.
Molly is a pleasure to work with. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and I am sure that these recent successes will be followed by further accolades in the future
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Outstanding Elite Performance of the Year
Winner: Dan Barstow
Dan is a highly regarded international umpire. Originally a graduate of the England Hockey Young Umpire Programme, he now umpires regularly within the England Hockey League, and in recent years has also delivered strong performances on the world stage at events including the Pro League, European Championships and World Cups.
Last summer, Dan was one of four English officials appointed by FIH to represent NPUA and England Hockey at the Paris Olympic Games. Despite being a volunteer, Dan juggled his preparation for the games alongside a full-time job, completing the demanding training programme around his other commitments.
Following exceptional performances in the pool stages, Dan umpired the quarter final between Netherlands and Australia and was appointed as video umpire for the men’s final. This appointment marked the first time an English umpire has been involved in an Olympic final for over thirty years, and is testament to Dan’s skill and dedication to his profession.
His performances throughout the games were outstanding, and gained plaudits from players and coaches as well as the officiating community.
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Hockey Maker of the Year
Shortlist: Phillip Bootland, Russell Davenport, Bryan Record, Sandy Sutton
Winner: Phillip Bootland
A committed and much-loved Hockey Maker since 2007, Phil is always ready to step in and offer support wherever it’s needed.
He goes above and beyond behind the scenes to ensure events run smoothly, offering guidance to others and consistently creating a positive, welcoming atmosphere.
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Coach of the Year
Shortlist: Wayne Beard, Sarah Bertram, Simon Dye, Kevin Heath, Helen Hodgson
Winner: Kevin Heath
Kevin has transformed Macclesfield Men’s 1st XI, achieving three consecutive promotions. His dedication spans from junior development to coach education, making a huge impact across North Staffordshire.
As a Level 3 coach, he sets high standards on and off the pitch and fosters a progressive, welcoming environment.
Beyond Macclesfield, he is also involved with Stoke TA, North Staffs DC & AC, Abbotsholme College, Madeley High School, Dulson Charity, North Staffs HC, Mercian Marauders and Staffordshire County.
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Official of the Year
Shortlist: Viv Carveth, Maxwell Davidson, Phil O'Hagan, Tom Pilgrim, Nathan Ridsdale, Bradley Shough
Winner: Maxwell Davidson
Max leads umpire development at Doncaster Hockey Club, where he has built one of the largest junior umpire groups in the country. He mentors over 25 young umpires, with 26 of the club’s 42 active umpires being under 18. His coaching has already helped two young officials progress onto the neutral scheme and pursue their Level 2 qualifications.
Max’s experience on the Umpires4Europe pathway has been instrumental in nurturing this next generation, and his passion has inspired many to follow his path through the National Umpire Pathway.
His own progress sets a high bar: Max takes NPUA appointments in both Men’s and Ladies outdoor competitions and had a standout indoor season, becoming the youngest umpire in Men’s Division One.
Continuing on the Umpires4Europe programme, Max is now expanding his international potential while continuing to give back to his club community.
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Rising Star - Sponsored by Marsh
Shortlist: Emily Barrett, Mia Dewing, Daisy Fox, Kian Glasby, Harmanpreet Sandhu
Winner: Harmanpreet Sandhu
Harmanpreet, 19, is a dedicated community leader who has launched multiple projects in West Yorkshire.
He founded Yorkshire Sikh Sports, providing young and older sporting talent with opportunities to compete across five different sports.
Additionally, in collaboration with his parents, he established a community project named Saath, designed to ensure that elderly individuals are not isolated at home. The initiative includes weekly activities such as stretching, meditation, and social sessions.
Furthermore, Harman has launched the Harman Sandhu Hockey Centre, a coaching programme that provides free training to local youth and adults in the Bradford and Leeds areas, aiming to support young and senior Asian talent in overcoming barriers in hockey.
Alongside these community endeavours, Harman competes in the National League for Ben Rhydding HC and has recently completed trials for the England University team.
He has also received offers to play in leagues abroad. Harman was recognised as the runner-up for the Young Sports Personality of the Year at the Bradford Sports Awards in 2024 and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Ilkley Grammar School.
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Diversity & Inclusion Champion - Sponsored by Wasserman Live
Shortlist: Zoe Ardrey, Natalie Cameron, England/GB Hockey ID Team, Letchworth Hockey Club Walking Hockey Group, Spencer Lynx
Winner: Spencer Lynx
Spencer Lynx is tackling inequality in sport head-on by delivering free, inclusive hockey to underserved children across London. With nearly 600 participants across two hubs, the programme removes barriers to participation and introduces hockey to under-represented communities.
Through school partnerships, transport assistance, and sustained community engagement, Spencer Lynx fosters confidence, friendship, and social development in every session.
Their work not only provides opportunity but prepares children from diverse backgrounds to take their place in mainstream clubs.
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Area/County Volunteer of the Year
Shortlist: Helen Anton, Debs Gemmell, Natasha Hookway, Charles Jackman, Marilyn Walker
Winner: Natasha Hookway
Tasha has made a profound impact on youth hockey in Sussex through her role on the Sussex committee. She organises and leads junior festivals for Under 8s, 10s and 12s alongside running the Sussex Junior Development League for players aged 11-16.
Her work has created vital playing opportunities for young players, especially those in smaller clubs and state schools, helping to foster a love for the game and ensuring inclusive access to hockey.
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Unsung Club Hero - Sponsored by Bisham Abbey and Lilleshall National Sports Centres
Shortlist: Richard Cook, Jayne Crosse, Richard Kirtley, Sarah Watts, Tasha Webster
Winner: Richard Kirtley
Richard has revitalised junior hockey in Sheffield, particularly in underserved communities, by breaking down barriers to participation.
In 2023, he brought together local universities, a professional coaching agency, a kit supplier, and club volunteers to deliver free summer hockey camps in Norton Woodseats, Meadowhead, and Gleadless Valley. With support from Sport England funding, these camps welcomed over 170 children aged 5 to 14, 48% of whom had never played before.
The impact was clear and local: 39% of participants lived within a 10-minute walk of the pitch, and 65% within 2 miles. Notably, 98% of the club’s junior participants are state-school educated. These camps helped the club grow a junior section of over 100 members and enter age-group competitions and development leagues.
Richard has engaged local parents as volunteers and continues to lead by example. He shares his inclusive model nationally, helping other clubs adopt strategies for reaching underrepresented groups. His work has been recognised by England Hockey as a model of good practice, and he has presented at national forums to inspire others.
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Lifetime Achievement
Shortlist: Graham Griffiths, Eilish MacBean, Richard Macer, Robert Oakley, John Shaw
Winners: Graham Griffiths & Eilish MacBean
For over 50 years, Graham has dedicated his life to hockey. After starting at West Bridgford, he has become a key figure for Beeston HC over the last 40 years.
Graham’s influence in Midlands Hockey included running the Notts U21 and senior sides during the 90s, bringing multiple players through that system and into National League Hockey.
Since then, he has led Beeston to Premier Division and European success while building a family-oriented club of nearly 1,000 members. His influence extends from elite to junior levels, including the successful launch of the Beeston Flyerz in 2018.
He has coached regional squads and inspired countless internationals, including former GB captain Adam Dixon, who cited the affectionately termed “Griff” as one of the most significant figures in achieving his Olympic dream.
Eilish has championed hockey for over 50 years, coaching and mentoring generations across all levels, from grassroots to international players. Her work establishing the County Schools Tournament programme has helped shape junior hockey across England.
Known for her humour, empathy and meticulous support, Eilish’s legacy is reflected in the thousands she’s inspired, including England Hockey’s current President. This year hundreds of young people, from state and private schools, gathered in celebration of the hockey Eilish has championed. The U11 In2Hockey Tournament alone saw record entries of 32 teams and Eilish even provided homemade cakes for the umpires.
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Men's Team of the Year
Shortlist: Chelmsford HC 1's, Neston HC 1's, Old Cranleighan HC Stormers, Timperley HC 1's, Wapping Dockers
Winner: Neston HC 1's
This season Neston’s Men’s 1s went unbeaten in the North West Premier League to secure the title. With 19 wins and over 130 goals scored, the squad blends youth and experience, many of the players having started at the club aged 7.
The players regularly give back to the club by coaching and umpiring younger teams, serving as invaluable role models.
The team’s promotion this season is a long-awaited milestone and a proud moment for the entire club.
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Women's Team of the Year
Shortlist: Boots HC 1's, Harrow HC 2's, Old Georgians HC 3's, Old Silhillians HC 3's, Wapping HC 6's
Winner: Harrow HC 2's
Harrow Ladies 2s had a flawless season, winning every match in London Division 5 North West and not conceding a single goal (102 for, 0 against). Their squad blends juniors, seniors and some Back2Hockey players with some players in their first season of senior hockey. They have epitomised positivity, teamwork and collaboration throughout the season, with a variety of players stepping in last minute to play in goal.
Supported by their coach Ed, the team are dedicated to helping Harrow, a relatively small club, grow and become the fantastic environment it is today. Off the pitch, many players coach juniors, and their captain alone serves as junior coach, men's 2nd team coach, social secretary, and newsletter editor.
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Emerging Club of the Year - Sponsored by Ogilvie Fleet
Shortlist: Brighton Rogues Hockey Collective, Crowborough HC, Hawks HC, Keynsham HC, Old Haberdashers' HC
Winner: Keynsham HC
Keynsham HC has grown rapidly this season, celebrating promotions for three women’s teams and launching a new Women’s 4s. With a £1 membership initiative, the club is making hockey more accessible and inclusive alongside expanding their membership.
The club has also raised nearly £3,000 for charity and expanded their youth reach by coaching local Cubs and Brownies. Additionally, over 30 regional goalkeepers attend specialist training and members are supported through coaching qualifications. Overall, Keynsham is thriving as a development hub and inclusive club.
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Club of the Year - Sponsored by Notts Sport
Shortlist: Bowdon HC, Durham City HC, Marlow HC, Newport HC, Wapping HC
Winner: Durham City HC
Driven by a passion to build on last year’s shortlisting for Club of the Year, Durham City have undergone another transformational 12 months.
They have embraced change this year, taking over the city’s junior section from Durham University. This initiative allowed them to support over 220 junior players and launch a new Junior Committee, consequently strengthening their development pathway.
They also appointed their first Sustainability Officer, launched Flyerz programme, and began research into wheelchair use on artificial pitches. Alongside commencing beginner sessions to introducing hockey in schools, their summer hockey festival became the North's biggest.
Ultimately, membership has grown by 20%, allowing them to launch 4th teams for both Men and Women.
