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All the news for Tuesday 26 July 2016

Belgium's Red Lions combat climate change for Rio 2016

Courtesy of the Royal Belgian Hockey Association


Belgium have off-set their carbon footprint ahead of Rio 2016 Photo: FIH/Getty

The Royal Belgian Hockey Association (RBHA) and their men's national team - the Belgian Red Lions, decided to balance the greenhouse gas emission caused by their trip to the Rio Olympics by planting 33,000 trees in Madagascar.

Taking inspiration from a Native American proverb which says: "We do not inherit the Earth from our parents, we borrow it from our children" the organisation acted upon its desire to reduce its carbon footprint.

As a result, the RBHA decided to balance the greenhouse gas emissions caused by their men's team's travel to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Through a partnership with Seed for Life (an Non-Government Organisation involved in, among other things, Madagascar’s reforestation), the organisation's CO2 Strategy calculated that the trip to Rio de Janeiro for the 35 person delegation (players, staff and officials) generated 4584 kg of carbon dioxide per person (including the plane trip, the trips on-site and the hotel stay).

Planting one tree in Madagascar can approximately compensate 5 kg of CO2 emission. Thus, for each RBHA CO2 emitter, about 917 trees must be planted to even the emissions caused by the Belgian Hockey trip to Rio.

A tree planted by Seed for Life in Madagascar costs about €0.15 therefore the RBHA decided to give €5,000 to this Organisation to plant these trees.

Marc Coudron, President of the RBHA and FIH Executive Board Member, said: "We know that the environmental impact of our sport cannot be overlooked. Hence, we hope this strong symbolic act will lead to other similar actions within the Belgian field hockey scope and further. Moreover, it can be seen as a first victory for our Red Lions in Rio!"

This act is very much in line with Olympic Agenda 2020's recommendations to improve sustainability in relation to the environmental impact of the Olympic movement. For more information about Olympic Agenda 2020, click here.

About Seed for Life

Seed for Life is a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) created as a Belgian and Luxembourgish non-profit-making organisation that pursues the goal of offsetting the ecological footprint of the people of their industrialised countries by planting trees in developing countries.

In order to monitor the development and reforestation, they created a nursery in each of the planting sites and are training a local nursery to manage it. Via local authorities and schools, we develop a programme of public education to environmental protection. To achieve these objectives, all of our members are committed to volunteer to ensure that all funds entrusted to them are fully and directly in the management of our nurseries and tree planting.

They pay the growers and workers involved in the planting of trees and thereby we contribute to improving the lives of people living in areas of reforestation.

For more information on the organisation, visit: grainedevie.org/en/
and www.co2strategy.be

For more information about hockey in Belgium, click here.

Follow all the action in Rio by visiting Rio2016.com and using the hashtags #Hockey #Rio2016 and #SambaSticks.

FIH site

The Real Heroes of Rio 2016



As the South African Olympic athletes settle in at Rio de Janeiro, I cannot help but feel a sense of sadness for a certain group of sportsmen and women who did not make the trip to Brazil for the showpiece event kicking off on 5 August 2016.

Qualifying for the Olympics is something that many people dream of and only a select view ever get the opportunity to do so. Qualifying for the Olympics takes years of hard work, determination and in many cases, even a bit of luck. For many athletes, the Olympics will be the highlight of their sporting careers and even if you walk away without a medal, you achieved something that most people can only ever dream of.

The sad reality for athletes in South Africa, is this: even if you are good enough to qualify, even if the Olympic board deems you good enough to compete, there’s still a chance that you might not be afforded the opportunity to go…

For the South African men and women Hockey teams, this is a very real thought – I can only imagine how those player must feel, watching the hype build around the Olympics, but watching it from their couches back here in South Africa.

Despite being crowned champions of Africa, and in doing so, qualifying for the Olympics, Fikile Mbalula and SASCOC deemed both the men and women Hockey teams, not good enough to go to Rio 2016 – a lifelong dream, years of hard work, blood, sweat and tears – all for nothing.

For me, the real heroes of Rio 2016 are not the athletes taking part, but those who remain at home, knowing very well that they should be there to represent the country they love so much. Let down by an administration that cares more for itself than the athletes they are supposed to support, these players will go about their daily lives, coaching at clinics to inspire and teach kids, with the hope that these kids will keep their very own Olympic dreams alive.

Since SASCOC’s failure to send our Hockey teams to Rio, I have not seen any bitterness from any South African Hockey players – they have handled themselves with utmost dignity and pride – and that, is why they are the real heroes in South Africa’s story of the 2016 Olympic Games.

Knowing the Hockey community in South Africa, I can tell you one thing: This will not get these players down – they will continue training, they will continue paying out of their own pockets to go on tours and they will continue defying the odds wherever they go.

While we watch other athletes shine at Rio 2016, let us spare a thought for the men and women who should have been there, but isn’t. Let’s spare a thought for the men and women who continue to inspire thousands of young Hockey players, and let’s hope that come the next Olympics, SASCOC will be in better hands, hands that give, more than they take.

The Pundits

There is no easy match in Olympics: Sreejesh

BENGALURU: Newly-appointed Indian men's hockey team captain PR Sreejesh said there is no "easy match" in a sporting extravaganza like the Olympics, and all 12 teams will fancy their chances of qualifying for the quarter-finals in Rio.

"It is Olympics and there is nothing easy. Every match will be serious affair," he said before departing for Spain en route to Rio.

"In each group there are six teams out of which four will qualify for the quarterfinals. Therefore, it is very important for us to garner as many points as possible to increase our chances because the new format gives an opportunity to every team," he said.

Unlike previous editions, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has introduced a new competition format in this year's Olympics.

As per the new format 12 teams have been divided into two pools of six with each team initially playing round-robin games within their pool. Following the completion of the round-robin games, the top four teams from each pool will advance to the quarter-finals.

Previously, after completion of round robin games top two teams from each pool used to directly qualify for the semi-finals.

Sreejesh, who took over the captaincy mantle from long-standing Sardar Singh just ahead of the Olympics, said they are ready to face any side in the quarter-finals.

"We are ready to meet anybody in the quarterfinals. We cannot say we want this team or that team. We will give our 100 per cent against any side, be it world champions Australia," he said.

Sreejesh said hockey is a team and a captain hardly has any role on the pitch.

"Hockey is a team game and all 11 players on the field are captains. They have specific responsibilities to shoulder. We are going to Rio as a team," he said.

The experienced goalkeeper said a few practice matches in Spain before heading to Rio will hold India is good stead in the Olympics.

"We are going to Spain mainly for acclimatisation. We need a break from here. We will play a couple of practice matches there and know where we stand. The climate of Rio during the Games will be to similar Spain. So, it is a good decision to go to Spain before landing at Rio," Sreejesh said.

The Times of India

Stats Speak:  know the teams  in the Rio Olympics (part-8)

By B.G.Joshi (Sehore-Bhopal, India)

Renowned hockey statistician B.G.Joshi have compiled stats and records on all the 24 competing teams  in Rio Olympics. Today he is providing stats and records of Germany and Great Britain- two men teams.

3.0 Germany (GER)
Pool: B
World Ranking:03
Title: Olympic  Champions(London-2012)
Coach: Valentin Atterburg
Captain: Moritz Fuerste
How Qualified:  1st  in Buenos Aires HWL(2015)
Appearances:17,4 Gold(1972,1992,2008,2012), 3 Silver(1936,1984,1988),3 Bronze(1928,1956,2004),two times 4th(1968,1996),four times 5th(1908,1952,1976,2000), once 7th(1960)
Records: P-W-D-L-GF-GA- 105-66-17-22-259-125
Head to head versus pool competitors in Olympics:

Biggest ever win: 9-1 vs. Spain in 1976
Worst defeat: 1-8 vs. India in 1936
Prolific Scorer: Florian Fuchs, born-Nov 10,1991, Updated caps and goals are not with me
Note:* Before the 1964 Olympics ,East Germany(GDR),in 3-matches series, beat West Germany (FRG),Hence GDR played in Tokyo Games,GDR’s records is not included in Germany.FRG’s records (1968-1988)  merged with Germany.

4.0 Great Britain(GBR)
Pool: A
World Ranking:04
Title: Nil
Coach: Bobby  Crutchley
Captain: Barry Middleton
How Qualified: 3rd in Antwerp HWL(2015)
Appearances:17,3 Gold(1908,1920 as England,1988), 2 Silver(1908 as Ireland,1948),4 Bronze(1908 as Scotland,1908 as Wales,1952,1984),three times 4th(1956,1960,2012),once 5th(2008), thrice 6th(1972,1992,2000),once 7th(1996),twice 9th(1964,2004),once  twelfth(1968)
Records: P-W-D-L-GF-GA- 104-49-20-35-223-178
Head to head versus pool competitors in Olympics:

Biggest ever win: 12-1 vs. Belgum in 1920
Worst defeat: 2-9 vs. Netherlands in 2012
Prolific Scorer: Ashley Jackson ,born-Aug 27,1987, Intl. Caps-229,Goals-129

Fieldhockey.com

England U18 Boys hit Italy for six


England U18 Boys celebrate

Five second half goals helped England Under-18 Boys secure their first win of the EuroHockey Youth Championships as they beat Italy in Cork on Monday afternoon.

Superior energy and fitness levels showed as England scored several late goals while Italy were down to ten men and ran out of steam.

“I was pleased with the way the boys took up the task and moved the ball stick to stick and carried out the game plan which was an improvement on the previous day’s second half performance,” said Head Coach Jody Paul.

“Energy and fitness showed in the last quarter of this match, and it was a good result going into our final group game against Spain.”

Eddie Way got England off the mark from a 27th minute penalty corner, but Italy had proved hard to break down with some strong defensive play and were very much still in the game at half time.

But as the second half progressed England took control, and although both sides were shown yellow cards it was England who coped better and made the most of the time when Italy were short-handed.

A break down the right came across the dead ball line, and the Italian goalkeeper could only parry the ball away, while Tom Crowson was on hand to tidy up with a 45th minute goal.

Eddie Way fired low to the goalkeeper’s right at a 59th minute penalty corner which put England three-nil ahead.

Matt Ramshaw scored his first England goal from a 62nd minute melee in front of goal, and captain James Oates scored on 64 minutes to make it five-nil.

Finally, Duncan Scott scored the sixth goal after some very good tight skills in the circle.

As well as their goal-scoring feats, England defended well with Rory McCallum doing superbly in goal and making good saves at two Italian penalty corners.

After a rest day on Tuesday, the Under-18 Boys face Spain on Wednesday lunchtime.

England Under-18 Boys 6 (1)
Italy Under-18 Boys 0 (0)

England Hockey Board Media release

McQuade blasts Scotland boys to victory over Wales


Scotland U18 huddle

Aidan McQuade scored a dramatic late winner to give Scotland boys a 3-2 win over Wales, and put the Scots through to the semi-finals.

Scotland looked in the mood from the start - belting out Flower of Scotland without music towards the stand. They got the game underway and looked content with keeping possession in their own half. It was Wales however who threatened first through a scramble in the Scottish D, but it came to nothing with sticks clashing.

It was a very tight game in the early stages with no clear opportunities for either side. Tom Wood of Wales had the best chance in the opening skirmishes but couldn’t connect his stick to the ball in the Scotland D. Then Wales opened the scoring. A penalty corner was fired into the D and then slotted through for Wood diving at the far post to score. 1-0.

Not long later Scotland had the ball in the net in retaliation but it was chopped off for a foul. Then some excellent skill by Callum MacKenzie won a penalty corner for Scotland but the resulting Aidan McQuade shot was well saved.

Moments later saw the award of another penalty corner for Scotland. McQuade was again denied by another exceptional save by the Welsh keeper.

McQuade wouldn’t be denied from a penalty corner for long and it was he who smashed the ball low into the net to make it 1-1.

The goal settled Scotland down and they looked the better attacking force as the half progressed. Wales held strong however and the half finished with an even score line.


Aidan McQuade

Half Time: Wales boys 1 Scotland boys 1

Straight after the break Scotland’s Mackenzie was denied in the D after some exceptional build up play. Just as they did in the previous game, Scotland started the second half well. Their play was faster, more precise, and the Scots looked far more in control.

It didn’t take long before Scotland took the lead. Dean Baber scored when he knocked the ball home from a rebound off the keeper’s legs following a penalty corner. 2-1

Immediately, Wood missed a great chance for Wales to level the score. The ball zipped into the D from the left but it spun off his stick over the Scotland goal and wide.

Scotland were piling on the pressure. Andrew Webb was denied from a penalty corner by another diving save by the Welsh keeper.

Mackenzie was having a great game for Scotland; full of running and was a constant menace to Wales. It was some exceptional running by Mackenzie into the Welsh D that won another penalty corner, which saw Webb denied again by a good save by the keeper’s feet.

Alan Johnston was then denied by the keeper's head, and a following infringement gave Scotland yet another penalty corner. This time it led to a scramble with McQuade and Owen Jenkins-Garcia both denied from the penalty corner.

Scotland were in complete control and then Wales hit them with a sucker punch. From a penalty corner Ioan Wall equalised for Wales, smashing the ball into the bottom left corner. 2-2.

With the clock ticking down there was a determination about the Scots as they piled forward. They came close with just under five minutes to go but the ball was cleared just under the bar.

Scotland continued pressing and won a penalty corner with 53 seconds on the clock. It looked certain to be the last chance of the game and McQuade, who threatened all night from penalty corners, smashed the ball into the net giving Scotland a dramatic late victory.

The win puts Scotland boys through into the semi-finals with one group game remaining against Ukraine on Wednesday.

Full Time: Wales boys 2 Scotland boys 3

Scottish Hockey Union media release

Birthday boy braves father’s funeral to play for India

K Arumugam



Personal sacrifices mark any committed players’ career. Krishnan Bahadur, the Indian goalkeeper, who is now in Lilleshall National Sports Cente, England, as a part of Junior India team, bore one last week.

Two days before Indian team’s departure for a two-nation engagement in England, the dreadful news came to him. His father Tek Bahadur, 67, expired in his home town, Lughdi in distant country Nepal.

As youngest of four wards of the departed soul, Krishnan was in shock, but faced the dilemma of his young life, practical difficulty in getting there to pay his last respects to his beloved father. He cannot proceed to his native, which is about six hours from Kathmandu and then join the team back in time that is embarking on a two-week training cum competition to England.

The Indians were in Bangalore camp, and were to leave from there.

Coach Harendra Singh offered him help, permitted him to attend his father’s funeral and make his choice without any fear of continuity in the team.

The 20-year old boy, considering logistics and his eagerness not to miss out his maiden tour, opted to continue his hockey journey.

“I was given freehand. I was in double mind for some moments, then decided to be with team. Slowly I will forget the sorrow” was his reaction to this site.

“My uncle here in India also consoled me, asked me not to go Nepal, assuring they will all take care of rituals”, said Krishnan, moments after displaying a wonderful skills against Scotland in the first test.

India won the tight match 2-1 but had to wither out a battery of penalty corners that the Scots got, its here he and another goalie Surjaj saved the day for India in the first test.

“Krishan played superbly, these two goalies saved our day”, elated Harendra Singh said after the match.

Sunday was Krishnan Bahadur’ s birthday, which was on low key due to the personal tragedy. Indian hockey is full of such sacrifices, the Krishnan’s one is really touching.

Note: India considers neighbour country Nepal benign historically, has open border. Many Nepalese migrate to India for jobs and businesses. They are a visible face in various Indian sport teams including hockey.

Stick2Hockey.com

Pakistan to play youth hockey series with Oman: Kamran

Mohsin Ali



ISLAMABAD-Camp commandant Olympian Kamran Ashraf confirmed that upon Oman Hockey Federation (OHF)’s request, Pakistan youth hockey team will play a series against visiting Oman youth hockey team from September 14 to 20 at either Lahore or Islamabad.

Talking to The Nation, Kamran said: “The Oman Hockey Federation has requested the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) that they want to play a series against Pakistan youth hockey team prior to the start of the Asia Youth Hockey Championship starting from September 24 to 30 in Dhaka.

The PHF accepted the request, but it is yet to be decided where the proposed series will take place, most probably in Lahore, if Oman team lands in Lahore, but if it lands in Islamabad, then the series will be held at the Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium.”

Kamran said PHF president Brig (R) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar had given proposal of hosting hockey series between seniors, juniors and youth hockey teams, as camps of all the three teams are presently underway.

“It will be a great suggestion and if it does happen, it will not only benefit seniors and juniors, but also to youth team as they can learn a lot playing alongside seniors and the players, who have experience of playing at international level.”

He said they had shortlisted 59 players for the second phase of the camp and 25 players were released after the trials were conducted on Monday at Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium.

“Chief selector Rashid Junior, selector Saeed Khan, PHF president Brig (R) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar, secretary Shahbaz Senior and I was present during the trials and each and every individual was given ample time prior to announcing the 59 players for the second phase.

We have also conducted medical of 15 players, and their bone test was conducted at Nayyab Laboratory, Islamabad, and the report will be directly sent to the PHF while Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) very kindly bore the expenditures of the tests.”

The Olympian said the first phase would conclude on August 2 and the boys would assemble again on August 14 at the same venue.

“The second phase will continue till the Oman series, before final selection trials will be held.

The players will be selected for Youth Asia Cup to be held at Dhaka, while another big surprise is also in store for the youth team.

I have requested the federation to arrange a youth championship before the Oman and Youth Asia Cup and announce hefty cash incentives for the players.
If the PHF manages to arrange a worthy sponsor in time, the proposed event will go ahead and will provide the youngsters a huge moral and financial boost.

Kamran said that he was quite satisfied with the players’ progress and all the boys had been showing spark and could represent the country if provided with training and facilities.

“I would like to say special thanks to the PSB for improving the standard and quality of the meal on my special request.

Now I have no issues over what we have been provided at the Allama Iqbal Hostel.”

“I am always ready to serve the country which gave me name and fame.
I will try to give more than 100 percent, as I have accepted this challenge to coach the youth, as in past, no heed was paid on this particular age.

The federation is very optimistic about promoting hockey at grassroots level and we will appreciate media’s healthy and positive criticism, but we need all-out backing from media, which can be like a tonic and put a new lease of life in the federation, players and coaches,” Kamran concluded.

The Nation

Whanganui wins the weekend

By Jared Smith


Whanganui's Lisa Grant looks to get her shot on goal through the College Development defence at Gonville on Saturday.

It was a rare double success weekend for the local teams in their Manawatu divisions as Tech College Old Boys came from behind to beat Palmerston North Boys High 2-1, while the combined Whanganui women defeated College Development 5-3 to stay on top of their grade.

Having yet another Premier Men's away match to the Twin Turfs, TCOB were missing four players but had been reinforced by the return of three high school students, along with Craig Ritani shoring up centre.

After surviving three penalty corners by the 15 minute mark, TCOB let in an overhead shot that exposed them at the back, trailing 1-0 at halftime.

"It was a fairly competitive game, both side's had opportunities," said coach Russell Burgess.

"They had too many options, our guys weren't playing quite strong enough in the first half, but they rectified that in the second half."

TCOB started putting some better passes into the circle, with one of them a ripper to which Bryce McKenzie got the lightest of deflections to lock up the scores.

"PNBHS were bitterly disappointed because they didn't think we touched it, but we did," said Burgess.

McKenzie repeated the effort with eight minutes left to give his team the win in his last game for them this season.

Andrew Jurgens played in goal for visitors and had a very good game, while Ryan Balsley covered the back quite well.

TCOB's third win for the year moved them up into fifth spot on the ladder, but too late to reach the semifinals as their opponents this weekend, PN Marist, are six points ahead in fourth spot.

Burgess said after beating a PNBHS team currently peaking for their big school tournaments, his team want to finish the year on a high with another win at the Twin Turfs.

The Whanganui team kept their Women's Division 2 Premier momentum going with the win at Gonville Domain on Saturday.

Their 5-3 victory moves them to 12 points on the table, clear of HSHC Evergreens (9), College Development (6) and HSHC B (3).

Evergreens beat their clubmates 5-2 in the other game.

Whanganui have now amassed four wins from five games since the Premier group split off from the rest of the division, scoring 24 goals while conceding only seven.

They will play HSHC B again this weekend at Gonville, before the start of the finals the following week.

Wanganui Chronicle

Negri's semi-final ambitions suffer a jolt

by Aftar Singh

KUCHING: Negri Sembilan suffered a jolt in their quest to reach the semi-finals in men’s hockey.

They were beaten 1-0 by Sabah in a Group B match at the Paku Secondary School on Monday.

Sabah skipper Maxhans Christi scored off a penalty corner in the 46th minute.

Negri, the silver medallist in the last Sukma in Kangar two years ago, have nine points from three wins and two defeats. They are second in the group.

Federal Territories lead the group with 10 points from four matches with two matches to play against Sabah on Tuesday and Selangor on Wednesday. Terengganu are third on seven points with two matches left to play.

Negri will wrap up the fixtures against Terengganu, the 2012 Sukma champions, on Tuesday.

Negri coach S. Chandran was annoyed with his players’ performance against Sabah.

“We needed a win to put us on course for a place in the last four but we lost. We have to win our match against Terengganu to secure our place in the semis,” said Chandran.

The Star of Malaysia

Sapura determined to win MHL this season

by S. Ramaguru


Sapura have engaged the services of Phillip Burrows (right) to help them in attack.

KUALA LUMPUR: Former champions Sapura are hungry for success and want to win at least one title in this season’s Malaysia Hockey League (MHL).

To realise their dreams, the Premier Division side have hired three highly-capable players. Veteran Kiwi forward Phillip Burrows will lead the attack with Australian Oscar William Wookey. In midfield, Sapura have talented Indian Gurbaj Singh.

They also have seven Malaysian internationals – Mohamed Firhan Azhaari, Mohamed Izad Hakimi Jamaluddin, Joel van Huizen, Faiz Helmi Jali, Mohamed Marhan Jalil, goalkeeper Mohamed Hairi Abdul Rahman and Norsyafiq Sumantri – in their 20-man squad.

“We have gone too long without any titles. We have a better team this time to mount a strong challenge,” said team manager Louis Gregory.

“We finished third in the league and third overall last year. This season, our plan is to finish in the top two and snatch at least one of the three titles at stake,” added Louis.

Sapura first shot into prominence in 2004 when they won the league title in 2004. Their most successful campaign was in 2005 when they emerged as double champions. Sapura’s last title – the overall crown – came in 2006.

“I believe we are competitive enough to challenge the big two – Terengganu and KLHC (Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club) – for honours. It’s up to the players now to show what they’re capable of,” said Louis.

Sapura, however, will not have the services of two of the country’s top coaches – Tai Beng Hai and Stephen van Huizen – to helm the team. All coaches attached to the Malaysia Hockey Confederation (MHC) are banned from coaching MHL teams this season.

Veteran coach Yahya Atan has been given the task of bringing back the glory days.

“It’s a big blow not to have Beng Hai and Stephen as coaches, But we believe that Yahya can do a good job,” said Louis.

Besides Sapura, Terengganu and KLHC, the other teams in the Premier Division are Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL), Maybank and Tenaga Nasional. The league will begin on Aug 18.

The Star of Malaysia

MHAL League: MbPT rally to seal Division One crown

MUMBAI: Mumbai Port Trust rallied from an early deficit to overcome Goan Sports Association 2-1 in the First Division final of the Mumbai Hockey Association Limited (MHAL) League at the MHAL - Mahindra Stadium, Churchgate.

The Goans started on a positive note and snatched the lead when Roshan M scored through a field goal in the 4th minute. But Mumbai Ports Trust hit back through a field effort of their own from Ashutosh Lingnesh in the 30th minute before Valentine Pereira converted from a penalty corner in the 35th minute to help them secure the win and emerge champions.

The Mumbai Port Trust team received the First Division 'Champions' trophy and a cash award of Rs 40,000 while runners-up Goan Sports pocketed Rs 20,000.

Results: Div-I finals: Mumbai Ports Trust 2 (Ashutosh Lingnesh, Valentine Pereira) beat Goan Sports Association 1 (Roshan M).

The Times of India

The Hockey Museum wins Heritage Lottery Fund support



The Hockey Museum has been awarded a grant of £15,300 by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to enable it to digitise its collection of nearly 100 old hockey films dating back to the 1930s.

This project will preserve the films and also make them available for viewing by a wide range of participants – visitors to the museum, attenders at major hockey tournaments, students at schools and colleges, and users of the museum’s website. The museum is planning a programme of visits to educational establishments to help young people appreciate the history of the sport and how it has developed, using the digitised films and the equipment which will be bought with the grant. Many of the films are in poor condition, and their contents would have been lost without this project, and the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Digitising clearly requires specialist expertise and technology. The museum is working with a group of companies - WATCH WORKS, WATCHMAKER FILMS and MAX Communications - who will undertake the work. These are all preservation-oriented companies with restoration skills and a deep commitment to building and maintaining continuity between our analog past and digital future.

The Hockey Museum exists to collect and preserve as much as possible of the origins and development of the game of hockey in the UK - both written and oral material and a wide range of artefacts. Over the years, much material of great historical interest has been lost or destroyed, because of the absence of a suitable repository for it. This is now being rectified, and the Museum already has a large collection of heritage and history material which it is now making available to aid the understanding of the way the game has grown over the last 150 years.

Commenting on the award, Mike Smith, the Museum Curator, said: “We are thrilled to have received the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund to help us give hockey’s history a future, and are confident the project will help future generations to understand and appreciate the game’s roots.

Stuart McLeod, Head of HLF South East, said: “These films provide a fascinating insight into the development of a game that is now played by 100,000 people in England each week. Thanks to National Lottery players they will now be saved for the future, opening up parts of our sporting heritage that haven’t been widely seen for decades.”

England Hockey Board Media release