The governing body has set out its aims, which are to grow participation, deliver international success, increase the visibility of hockey, enhance infrastructure and be a strong and respected governing body.
According to England Hockey, its vision is for the country to be ‘A Nation Where Hockey Matters’.
Chief executive Sally Munday says: “This is an exciting time for hockey.
“We’ve won important bids for international tournaments in the coming years and have a real clarity of thought about how we can translate that into future participation to help our sport flourish.”
England Hockey believes in a virtuous circle underpinning the sport.
At a fundamental level, international success drives an increase in visibility for the sport.
With the right systems in place, this fuels a growth in participation, which drives further international success, and thereon the circle continues.
Delivering success on the international stage stimulates the nation’s pride in its hockey team and by hosting international events England Hockey will attract interest from spectators, sponsors and broadcasters alike.
With its recent successful bids for upcoming major international tournaments, including the Women’s World Cup in 2018, the ambition of England Hockey is clear.
There is now a major international event in England every year until 2018.
The Olympic legacy venue, the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, is being developed to play host to these events on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, giving a platform for maximum exposure and a top-level facility for spectators and players alike.
The visibility that comes from these events will inspire people of all ages to follow in the footsteps of their heroes and take up the sport, if the right opportunities are presented to meet their needs, and this gives an opportunity for the game to flourish as younger participants progress through the talent pathways to fuel further international success.
For a video summarising England Hockey’s strategy for the coming years visit: http://www.englandhockey.co.uk/news.asp?itemid=26446&itemTitle=A+Nation+Where+Hockey+Matters§ion=22
