British (GB) and Olympic Hockey
Hockey is one of the twenty-six sports featured at the Olympic Games.
Subject to qualification a Great Britain Hockey team competes in the Olympics and may comprise of players from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. It is therefore the highest level of hockey performance that can be achieved by a Welsh athlete. In terms of player development, therefore, Wales through its National Governing Body, the Welsh Hockey Union, works within a GB performance framework to enable players to have the best chance of realising their full potential. This helps to raise the standard of both Welsh international teams and the pool of players from which a GB team can be selected.
For more information please see the GB Hockey website
How are potential GB athletes indentified and developed?
Players with aspirations to play for Great Britain should recognise the many opportunities that exist to prove their potential. Players need to demonstrate that potential both in terms of individual skills and as a team player. There are many opportunities for athletes with talent to be identified:
The Welsh Player Pathway
Whilst maintaining a strong national flavour, the Player Pathway is fully aligned with GB development needs. The National Academy benefits from GB engagement and ensures players complete GB and Wales fitness tests, and are conversant with latest skills, physical and psychological conditioning needs.
UK School Games
The UK School Games is an opportunity for athletes Under 18 to perform in a multi games environment against other Home Nations and as such provides a flavour of Commonwealth and Olympic competition.
National League
GB Coaches are often scouting at National League matches, and whilst the WHU does encourage players to join a Club that is performing at the highest level, players should only do so if they are getting regular competition and coaching at that level. Wales is currently home to 2 EHL National League clubs. Swansea Ladies HC play in the Women's Conference West Division and Whitchurch HC compete in the Men's Conference West League. These National League Clubs, together with UWIC, Glamorgan and Swansea Universities are partners with WHU and WIS in the South Wales Hockey Institute.
International Competition
Wales competes regularly against other Home Nation Countries as well as in European and Commonwealth tournaments. Selection for international teams enable players to be seen performing in intense, high level competition. Wales recognises that players develop differently. Some might be mature enough to be able to perform well in an age group above and after careful consideration may be offered that opportunity as an indication of early potential and capacity to progress to the top. Similarly, players come through late and Wales provides the chance at every level for new players to break into international competition. This holds good up to and including the Senior International Team.
GB Super League
This is a round robin event of teams of the best players from across England, Scotland and Wales, brought together to stake a claim for future GB selection. The age group of the teams may vary depending on the position in the Olympic cycle. Players from Wales currently operate as the Celtic Panthers. It is a first class opportunity for high performing and committed players to demonstrate individual skills in a team context.
GB Youth (Under 20)
GB enter a team into an Under 20's world event. It is great exposure for young players in the Home Nations to come together and compete in a top level hockey event. Assessment is made from known player performance and discussions between respective Nations Head Coaches and the appointed GB U20 Head Coaches. Squad selection is made at the assessment camp and a final squad nominated after a further two camps. The competition is held in January. Players who are not in the final year within this age group but with significant potential may be invited to continue to train with this group as part of their development.