Article by James Riley of Alderley Edge Hockey Club
Alderley Edge Hockey Club has become the only club in the region – and one of only 20 nationwide – to be awarded Talent Centre accreditation by England Hockey.
AEHC has demonstrated it provides high quality provision for players within its junior programme, and Talent Centre accreditation recognises the quality of the club’s environment and talent development.
This was demonstrated with many players from the boys and girls sections being selected for performance centre squads, playing in numerous tournaments over the summer.
This is used as a selection process for the England national teams as well, with a member of the Ladies 1s from Alderley Edge making it through to the next stage.
In recent games, five of last year’s U16 squad made their men’s first team debut.
But it’s not just the youngsters with reason to celebrate – it has been a golden summer for Alderley Edge’s masters players too.
In the recent World Cup, played in Nottingham, Rebecca Ward and Sarah Hopkin both collected gold medals – beating the likes of Ireland, India, Argentina and France on the way.
This followed on from their Four Nations win earlier in the summer.
Nigel Baker-Brian made his international debut at the age of 65, winning the Four Nations and an international tournament in Neuss in Germany.
England masters regulars James Riley and Mark D’Souza also tasted success in their respective Four Nations competitions.
The Men’s Masters World Cups are to be held later in the year in Cape Town and Tokyo.
At a regional level, the North West Men’s 35s won the divisional tournament – featuring Andrew Wood, Kieren Hall, Simeon Mellor and Stefan Ray-Hills.
Sacha Hateley also picked up a winner’s medal.
Further representative honours were received by Judith Offer, Heather Wienholt, Michelle Fletcher, Phil Benton, Neil Hanley, Ed Johnson, Joe Smart, Paul Buckingham and Nick Rudgard.
With the new league season starting in a couple of weeks, training and games are now in full swing.
New players of all standards (and ages) are welcome.