July saw the Vitality Women’s Hockey World Cup come to London! But that was not the only major hockey event going on this summer, we had the National Flyerz Festival!

The National Flyerz Festival was on Sunday 29^th July and was hosted by Forest Flyerz in Walthamstow. The day saw Flyerz clubs, players and volunteers come together from across the country to play inclusive hockey. We had players and volunteers from Midland Mencap Flyerz, Tunbridge Wells HC, Hertford HC, Cambridge City HC, Forest Flyerz, Wakefield HC, Winchester HC and Hockey Wales.  Despite the weather, we had a jam packed schedule of games, with all of our teams getting the chance to play one another. It ended up with a tense final between Braintree Flyerz and Midland Mencap Flyerz, with a final score of 2-1 to Braintree. With Braintree walking away champions, Midland Mencap’s Reece took Player of the Tournament whilst Justis from Hertford Flyerz Club was awarded the Sportsmanship Award for showing great determination, team work and fair play throughout the tournament.

   

After a great morning of playing Flyerz Hockey we headed over to the Olympic Park to support England in the Vitality Women’s World Cup. But first, we had a Flyerz Q&A session in Fan Central with Access Sport’s Hayley Barton, Norman Hughes from FIH, Coach Steve and players Bryn and Reece from Midland Mencap Flyerz.

That was not the only thing that Midland Mencap got up to. The Euro Parahockey Gold medallists were invited on to the pitch to show their trophy and medals to the crowds during half time at the India vs USA game. The reception from the spectators was amazing, and everyone within the hockey stadium were all cheering for Midland Mencap.

The 2018 National Flyerz Festival was a great day celebrating inclusive hockey, bringing together all those that have been engaged through Flyerz hockey clubs. We saw players who have been playing Flyerz for several years playing alongside younger players new to our inclusive community. We had volunteers coming along to experience Flyerz for the first time too! It is great to see our Flyerz community grow and cannot wait to see it develop even further now we are supported by Spirit of 2012!

If you want to get involved with Flyerz Hockey, or have any questions; please contact Libby Nichols, [email protected].