England Hockey Launches New Campaign
England Hockey has launched #BehindEveryGreatPlayer, a new campaign celebrating the importance of a supportive social network in achieving sporting success, from children trying a sport for the first time through to international athletes playing at the highest level.
Launched with 50 days to go until the Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup 2018 in London on 21st July, #BehindEveryGreatPlayer focuses on the relationships between the England Hockey players and their relatives.
England Hockey captain Alex Danson, commented: “We proudly work tirelessly on and off the field in preparation for incredible tournaments like our home World Cup, but perhaps something we don’t acknowledge well enough is the amazing people behind the scenes; whether it’s our family, friends, volunteers, coaches, the list is endless.
“It’s their passion, dedication and time they give us which really is the absolute bedrock to our success as players and also as people. That truly is what’s behind every great player.”
Speaking to her mum in the campaign video, England Hockey player Emily Defroand, said: “You’ve been my manager, my coach and ultimately my biggest influence and I couldn’t have got to the place where I am now, living my dream as an international hockey player, without you. I honestly can’t thank you enough.”
Asked what her top tips are for other parents, Emily’s mum, Gill Defroand, added: “Definitely get involved! There are always plenty of things to do, from taxi driver, cleaning the kit, helping the coaches and even collecting cones. It’s very important that the parents are there, supporting their children.”
Another element of England Hockey’s drive to engage new audiences is Your World Cup, a campaign which encourages hockey clubs up and down the country to host a variety of interactive events to give young people and families the chance to give the sport a try ahead of this summer’s World Cup.
The Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup takes place from 21st July to 5th August 2018, with 16 teams welcomed to the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre in Stratford’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
