The England Hockey Awards took place on Saturday 6 June 2026, 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: Tom Sorsby
Tom combines a relentless work ethic with a terrifying presence on the ball that is genuinely feared
by opponents. He works tirelessly to improve and leverage his strengths on the world stage,
demonstrating a commitment to continued excellence and a constant pushing of his own personal
standards. This dedication shows on the pitch, where he has become increasingly consistent within
matches, regularly delivering outstanding performances in top-tier competition. Beyond his tactical
brilliance and elite professionalism, Tom is a real leader, always pushing to make the group better
as a team. His overall influence cannot be understated, and he is a truly deserved winner of this
award. -
Women's Senior Performance Player
Winner: Lily Walker
Lily is an all-round, top-level performer who pairs technical brilliance with an unmatched standard
of dedication. Lily’s key attributes include her elite mindset and leadership, both on and off the
pitch; no one trains harder, and she is the ultimate professional and role model in all aspects of the
game. Driven by a deep love for the camaraderie of the sport, she is a real leader who, despite
her immense success on the international stage, continues to grow, develop, and inspire as both
a world-class player and person. -
Men’s Junior Performance Player
Winner: Michael Royden-Turner
Mickey had an outstanding 2025/2026 season for club and country, a testament to his humble,
fiercely determined character. He has become a key player for Holcombe HC in the EHL Premier
Division and helped GB U21 win bronze at the Sultan of Johor Cup in October 2025.
Representing England U21 at the Junior World Cup in India, he impressed in both attacking and
defensive roles and was voted England’s Player of the Tournament. Excellent performances for
club and England U21 have continued, earning him much deserved opportunities to train with the
GB and England senior squads at Bisham Abbey. -
Women's Junior Performance Player
Winner: Mia Moore
Mia’s athleticism, directness, ball-carrying, and instincts in the circle helped her play a major role
in Loughborough winning BUCS gold and finishing in the top six for Phase 2 of the EHL season.
Internationally, Mia was selected for the Junior World Cup in December while still eligible for
U18s. In Chile, she stood out scoring twice, creating chances, and contributing hugely both on
and off the pitch.Her performances for Loughborough and England U21 have been recognised with a call-up to
train with the senior squad in the coming months. Diligent, hard-working, and humble, Mia has
already achieved a great deal, and her potential is even greater, making her one of the most
exciting young players in the country. -
Outstanding Elite Performance of the Year
Winner: East Grinstead Womens 1's
East Grinstead Women’s 1s wrote their names into the history books at the EuroHockey Indoor
Club Cup, becoming the first English team to win a medal for 27 years.The Sussex-based side delivered a masterclass performance in the third-place play-off, dismantling
German powerhouses Mannheimer HC with a spectacular 6–2 victory. The star of the show was
undoubtedly 17-year-old sensation Biba Mills, who produced an astonishing five-goal haul to
tear the opposition apart. Carlota Gomez added to the tally, sealing a clinical and relentless
team display.The tournament also brought individual glory for East Grinstead’s Matilda Woodhead, who was
deservedly named Goalkeeper of the Tournament after a string of world-class performances. Mills
finished the competition as the second-highest goalscorer overall, netting an incredible 13 goals.This landmark bronze marks the first time an English club has secured a medal in Europe’s premier
indoor tier since 1999. By defying the odds and breaking the European stranglehold, East Grinstead
have not only solidified their own legendary status but have also set a brand-new benchmark for
the future of English indoor hockey. -
Hockey Maker of the Year sponsored by Serco – operators of Lilleshall and Bisham Abbey
Winner: John McCartney
John is the face of the car park at all domestic events, welcoming spectators, answering queries
and signposting people as needed. He works diligently to keep everything running smoothly and
delivers excellent customer service to all client groups. -
Coach of the Year
Winner: Heather Macdonald
Heather is central to City of York HC. She is Head Coach for all seven ladies’ teams, U16 & U18 girls, runs the Hotshots program (ages 2-4), has reintroduced indoor hockey to the Club, & strives to make hockey accessible to all. She has nurtured the Club’s affiliation with the local university, where she is also the Head Coach, & inspires players of all ages and ability. She has created an inclusive, positive & supportive environment, embodying these values in everything she does.
A talented player, she suffered a serious injury in 2023 (whilst playing hockey). Whilst many would have walked away, Heather instead committed wholeheartedly to coaching. Whether immediately post-operation, or in the throes of knee rehabilitation, she has been a constant presence at training across the Club & at matches over the last three seasons – often on crutches!
Heather has been the youngest coach in the women’s YNE Premier Division for three seasons & coached the ladies’ first team to National League promotion – the first time in the Club’s history.
Heather truly embodies the Spirit of Hockey values & deserves to be recognised accordingly.
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Official of the Year
Winner: Eric Dickinson
Eric’s hockey journey began back in 1983 when he helped found the sport at Manchester Grammar School, but his true test of resilience came just two years later with a serious diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. Refusing to let his health define him, Eric made a triumphant return to the game in 1998, transforming personal adversity into a catalyst for an extraordinary officiating career. Even a severe foot injury in 2006 couldn't sideline his passion; instead, it fuelled his transition into becoming one of the most respected and highly qualified umpires in the country, climbing the ranks from Level 1 all the way to Level 3.
Eric’s impact on the hockey community is nothing short of legendary. He is the first umpire from the North West—and only the 13th in history—to reach the prestigious milestone of officiating 300 Outdoor and 100 Indoor National League games.
He embodies the absolute best of our community. He is a shining example of resilience, a welcoming presence to fellow officials, and an absolute cornerstone of hockey in the North West.
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Rising Star - Sponsored by Marsh
Winner: Zak Moledina
Despite attending university full time (and playing in BUCS for his university), Zak has committed many, many hours to supporting Old Merchant Tailors Hockey Club in a wide range of roles. He volunteers as Junior Development Director, doing everything from crucial safeguarding and registration administration to contacting parents and arranging fixtures.
He also coaches with a wide range of juniors on multiple days a week. He has been crucial in running hockey outreach sessions in a number of state schools, has run in2hockey tournaments at a range of age groups, but also mucks in with anything that needs help - arranging teas, junior awards evenings, and many other things.
Alongside his commitment to club and university, he also coaches in the London Hockey talent pathway. Zak is a wonderful young man who has devoted so much time and effort to helping others.
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Diversity & Inclusion Champion - Sponsored by Live Team
Winner: Talk Stick / Spalding Hockey Club
Members of Spalding HC joined with charities Tonic Health and Bro Pro to create Talk Stick - an initiative to raise awareness of men's mental health and suicide, following the sad passing of a young adult and Spalding HC member to suicide. The program has raised over £4,000 to fund educational content and train two Mental Health First Aiders at every hockey club in Lincolnshire. Moving forward, Talk Stick aims to expand its reach nationally while increasing visibility through more multi-club charity matches.
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Area/County Volunteer of the Year
Winner: Niamh Goddard
Niamh’s impact on Isle of Man hockey is fundamental. Seven years ago, she persuaded England Hockey to view the six local clubs as one collective membership. This created new pathways and ensured players are no longer sidelined by geography.
She shows care for people and places by navigating a complex web of travel to keep costs low. When weather cancels ferries, Niamh works through the night to rearrange fixtures and find hotel rooms, ensuring students return for school.
Her influence has led to historic milestones, including a U16 Boys' Tier 2 Plate victory and the U14 Boys reaching the Tier 2 Cup Finals this year. She has even extended her efforts to the Ladies Masters, proving her determination to show that the island can compete with the best.
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Unsung Club Hero
Winner: Sarah Sykes
For over 20 years, Sarah Sykes has been at the heart of Slazenger Hockey Club. A long-standing Ladies’ player, and for the past five years Club Secretary and Chair of the Junior Section, she guides the club with tireless efficiency, commitment, and care.
Under her leadership, the junior section has flourished. Sarah has built a culture where every young player feels welcomed, supported, and valued. Many juniors nurtured through her programme now enjoy widespread regional representation and feature prominently in both our Men’s and Ladies’ First Teams, while others strengthen squads across the club — a lasting testament to her dedication.
Her true impact shines in the everyday moments: on cold, wet training sessions and matches, she is the reassuring voice who notices a child struggling and meets them with patience, kindness, and encouragement. She connects with each junior as an individual and inspires coaches and parents to do the same.
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Lifetime Achievement
Winner: Bill Ball
The extraordinary contribution that Bill Ball has made to hockey over the last 70 years across Cheshire, the North and his club Bowdon, cannot be overstated; his life has been absolutely devoted to the game.
After joining Bowdon as a teenager in 1951, Bill became 1st team GK, however his impact went way beyond playing. With over 30 years of service on North and Cheshire Hockey Association Committees, his commitment to growing the game and building inclusive opportunities has been unwavering.
He is the ultimate club patriarch, ensuring the highest standards of hospitality to visiting teams, umpires and officials, and consistently modelling the most positive traditions of the sport.
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Outstanding School Engagement of the Year in association with Youth Sport Trust
Winner: Sarah Rendell
Sarah exemplifies everything this award stands for, consistently going above and beyond to grow hockey in a community where access has traditionally been limited. Through tireless work across multiple primary schools around Newquay, she delivers PE lessons, runs after-school clubs, and creates inclusive opportunities for boys and girls from Year 1 through to Year 13. Her commitment ensures that children are introduced to hockey early, often for the first time, removing barriers that would otherwise delay or prevent participation.
Her approach puts enjoyment and engagement first, fostering a genuine love for the sport while building confidence and skills. The impact has been transformational. Schools and Newquay Club teams have achieved repeated success as Cornwall County Champions and runners-up over the past three years, progressing to regional competitions in Bristol and competing at venues such as Millfield and Clifton College. These achievements are remarkable given the comparatively limited facilities with no hockey pitch within 10 miles.
Most importantly, she has changed perceptions—making hockey accessible, inclusive, and aspirational for all young people in her community.
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Open/Men's Team of the Year
Winner: Trojans Hockey Club Open/Men’s 1st Team
Completing an extraordinary season in which they won every match and secured their return to the National League after many years absence, they achieved success with humility, unity and an unwavering commitment to inclusive hockey. This is a team built on home‑grown talent, drawing players and coaches from across age groups and backgrounds, creating a culture where every individual feels welcomed, respected and able to thrive.
Their spirit is infectious: they play with intensity and ambition, yet always with grace, sportsmanship and pride in representing the club’s values. Strong leadership—both formal and informal—ensures that every training session and match is a positive, rewarding experience, nurturing confidence and camaraderie.
Their approach has strengthened pathways for players across the club, widening access regardless of age, social mobility or experience, and reflecting the community spirit that has defined Trojans for generations. The Men’s 1s are not only resilient in their performances but in the way they integrate players into the heart of the squad and the wider club, inspiring others and leaving a legacy of excellence, belonging and belief.
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Women's Team of the Year
Winner: West Derby Hockey Club Ladies 1s
West Derby Ladies 1s are a remarkable example of what true grassroots hockey can achieve. Just three seasons ago, the team was facing relegation and fighting simply to stay afloat. Built from students, returning mature players, and those completely new to competitive hockey; including a Deaf player fully supported through adapted communication and inclusive team practice, they have since delivered a level of success that is nothing short of exceptional.
For a team built on community spirit rather than elite resources, over the past two seasons, they have achieved so much, with promotion and cup success, demonstrating consistency, determination, and a collective belief that defied their underdog status.
They have since gone on to reach the 25/26 EH Tier 4 Bowl final, proving that last season’s success was no one off.
What makes West Derby Ladies 1s exceptional is not just the trophies, but the culture they have built: inclusive, supportive, hard working, and fiercely proud of their grassroots identity. They are a team that truly represents the heart of hockey.
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Emerging Club of the Year - Sponsored by Ogilvie Fleet
Winner: Wyre Forest Hockey Club
The past season has been a landmark year for WFHC, transitioning to a thriving multi-generational club with high-quality coaching and a growing membership base.
Starting with 9 members in 2018, the club now has 28 adult members & a Youth Academy (founded 2025) with 40 members, 95% of whom had never picked up a hockey stick before joining us.
There are strong local relationships; supporting school tournaments, coaching at 4 schools & working directly with youth groups to introduce young people to the game.
Wyre Forest Hockey Club has a real ‘hockey for all’ ethos, they value their members & support them in developing additional qualifications in coaching & umpiring.
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Club of the Year - Sponsored by Notts Sport
Winner: Clitheroe & Blackburn Northern Hockey Club
In the last four years, the club has transformed from a small club of around 80 players into a thriving, inclusive community of more than 250 junior and adult members. This growth is not just about numbers. It reflects a clear vision, strong leadership, and a commitment to making hockey accessible to everyone.
Based in the 11th most deprived district in England, the club is extending its reach through satellite provision across East Lancashire, including some of the hardest to reach communities, targeting Active Madrasas and mosques, introducing different ways to play, running state school festivals, donating equipment to local primary schools, CBN is opening hockey up to diverse communities and families who may never previously have considered the sport, changing who hockey is for and building a model for the future.
