GB in FIH Pro League action at Lee Valley Hockey & Tennis Centre

One of the biggest competitions in international hockey is heading to “the Wembley of English Hockey” – the world class Lee Valley Hockey & Tennis Centre, which is now operated by charitable social enterprise Better from May 26 to June 21.

Great Britain take on India, Belgium, China, Germany, Spain and the USA across two mini tournaments in the capital this summer as they battle it out to finish top of the table and begin preparations for the 2024 Paris Games.

The London leg of the FIH Pro League marks the return of international hockey to the UK since the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham last summer when England’s women won a historic first-ever gold alongside a bronze for the men. A number of the stars from those teams will play for Great Britain in London. 

GB women’s captain Hollie Pearne-Webb said: “FIH Pro League London is a huge milestone for us ahead of the Olympics and a chance to pit ourselves against some of the best hockey nations in the world. It will be a good test of where we are as a team and a squad with just over a year to go to Paris. 
 
“We can’t wait to play in front of a home crowd again in London after our Pro League matches against New Zealand and Australia last month. We saw what an amazing difference a home crowd can make in Birmingham last summer at the Commonwealth Games, as England, so we are hoping fans will turn out in their numbers to support us starting with our first game against China on Friday.”

Men’s captain David Ames added: “Having the chance to play in front of the home London crowd is huge for us and we can’t wait to go out and perform for them. For us, this is the biggest tournament outside of the Olympics and coming up against the top nations in the world in Germany, India and Belgium is a tough test but one we are really up for.
 
“There is nothing quite like putting the GB shirt on so hopefully we can pack out the stadium and give the GB fans something to cheer over the next few weeks.”

FIH Pro League London tournaments run across two separate weeks – May 26–June 4 and June 16–21 – at Lee Valley Hockey & Tennis Centre. And local community groups and schools are being offered discounted tickets for matches across both tournaments as part of a partnership between GB Hockey and the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority.

The state-of-the-art stadium will also be hosting its seventh annual Summer Hockey League starting on May 30 and running for two months up to the finals in August. 

The centre will host men’s elite first teams and development squad members, women’s elite, as well GAP league for both men and women aimed at mid-club players from second and third teams or lower, giving them a rare chance to play where their clubs’ first teams train and compete.

The Summer Hockey League has become a highly anticipated event in the hockey community, offering players and fans the opportunity to experience top-class hockey in a friendly and supportive environment. 

This year, the London 2012 venue is proud to introduce a new competition, Lee Valley Back 2 Hockey Cup. Back 2 Hockey (B2H) is a national project backed by England Hockey, aimed at encouraging older players back to the game. 

With the success of B2H sessions across the country, the centre has decided to launch a one day, 7-a-side mixed competition on Saturday, August 19.

“We are delighted to be hosting the Summer Hockey League and introduce the Back 2 Hockey Cup for the first time,” said Paul Warwick-Munday, General Manager of Lee Valley Hockey & Tennis Centre. 

“Lee Valley Hockey & Tennis Centre is committed to supporting the growth of hockey and providing opportunities for players of all ages and abilities to enjoy the sport. 

“We look forward to welcoming teams and fans to our world-class facility for what promises to be an unforgettable summer of hockey.

“Of course, we’re delighted to be holding the FIH Pro League games at our iconic venue.”

The LVHTC Summer Hockey League and Back 2 Hockey Cup are set to attract hockey enthusiasts from across the country, and tickets for all of the events are available. 

To view a full list of matches and buy tickets visit http://greatbritainhockey.co.uk or http://better.org.uk/leisure-centre/lee-valley/hockey-and-tennis-centre/news/fih-pro-league-2023-tickets-are-on-sale-now

If you are inspired to play some hockey visit https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/lee-valley/hockey-and-tennis-centre/hockey