Tess Howard

As a current Team GB Hockey player and Commonwealth Gold Medalist, Tess is passionate about inclusion in sport.

Since 2022, Tess has been campaigning to change national and international hockey uniform policies and allow players the choice to wear shorts and skorts in the same team. This groundbreaking work has evolved hockey tradition both in the UK and on sports biggest stage, the Olympics!

As a published academic, Tess’s paper on the impact of gendered sport uniforms on girls’ participation in sport gained international media coverage and laid the groundwork for further activism in this space.  

Having been a long-term supporter of Access Sport’s Flyerz Hockey programme, Tess joined a panel discussion at their  20th Anniversary Gala Dinner in November 2024, alongside Lola Anderson, Dimitri Coutya and Alice Dearing, sharing her journey from community hockey to the elite level. She has also been working with Access Sport’s community team to understand the inclusive sportswear needs of children and young people they support. 

When asked how her background connects with the work of Access Sport, Tess said:

“I want to help as many people enjoy the benefits of activity. Sport is freedom and fun, and I believe it is critical for a happy life. It has been amazing to support Flyerz Hockey and see the difference it makes for people of all ages. The community is wonderful. After partnering with Access Sport to create Inclusive Sportswear guidance for neurodiverse and disabled people, I want to support their incredible work further.”