England Are EuroHockey ID Challenge Champions

The England Intellectual Disability (ID) Hockey Team returned from the Euro Hockey ID Championships 2022 as Challenge champions. Hockey ID is the adapted format of hockey for players with an intellectual disability.

The competition is the flagship event for the best ID athletes across Europe and saw nine nations compete, which included the first official England ID Hockey Team.

Day one of the three day competition was ‘divisioning’, where teams and athletes were assessed to ensure they matched with other nations of the same experience and competitive ability for the remainder of the competition. With England winning all five of their divisioning games, they were placed in the Challenge competition and faced Ireland, Czech Republic and France.  

The competition really comes to life on day two with the pool games to determine who would compete for the gold medal on the final day. An opening fixture against a determined Czech side saw the teams go into the break level at 0-0. However, England soon took control of the game with four goals in four minutes, putting them out of sight to get the day off to the perfect start.

Next up were France, who after losing narrowly to Ireland in their first game, knew they had to win to keep alive their chances of making the final. A high energy approach by England saw them go 2-0 almost immediately, before adding two more in the second half to record back to back 4-0 wins.

The final game of the day saw England take on Ireland. Results in the pool meant both teams had already secured their place in the final, but both teams still wanted the confidence of going into the final unbeaten. After a tense opening exchange England took the lead, before adding more pressure that paid off to go 3-0 up. Ireland grabbed a late consolation late into the second half, with the game ending 3-1.

Unbeaten in the competition England approached the final with confidence. The final took place at the famous Wagner Stadium, the national stadium of the Dutch Hockey Federation and the location of the FIH Women’s World Cup. The build up to the game was on par with any major international match; team parades, fireworks and a DJ building the excitement of the hundreds of spectators in the stand.

The occasion looked to have got to the England team, who immediately went one down in the first minute. Ireland attacking the end of their passionate following, saw Cameron Ward score with their very first attack. England composted themselves before the ball being played deliberately across the backline game England their first shuffle of the Final. Thomas Shaw stepped up for England, calmly going around the keeper to score. Minutes later Thomas Shaw had another shuffle, following a foot in the circle, again scoring. Just before the break England captain Reece Brackpool gave the team some breathing space with a well taken effort. It wasn’t until England added a fourth in the second half that they could truly start to relax. 

It was fitting the fourth goal came from Robert Crosse who bagged his 12^th goal of the competition, remarkably his 11^th from open play and the most in the competition. This saw Robert Crosse end as England’s top goal scorer and third in the overall scoring chart.

The final whistle brought scenes of jubilations as the team congratulated each other and rushed to celebrate with their supporters. Months of hard work paying off to finish the tournament with nine wins from nine.

England ID Head Coach Steve Bradley had this to say;

“We’ve had a fantastic tournament in the Netherlands, it’s been a real experience seeing the players in their full England kit and being able to represent their country and succeed. The team was put together over the last few months and it just shows what can be done, what opportunities there are and how things can progress further in the future.”

EHF Hockey ID Ambassador and long term ally to inclusive hockey opportunities, Helen Richardson-Walsh was at the championship and cheering on England in the final, shared her thoughts;

“Pinoke HC have put on and amazing event which is always the case for the ID Europeans. The championships continue to grow with more nations and it’s just a great atmosphere. It’s nice to see England be represented and do really well with their gold medal. As a hockey player I would love to see more clubs across the country providing opportunities for disabled players so we can really grow this area of our sport and make it more inclusive for everyone.”

Reece Brackpool, Captain of the England ID team, said;

“Before the final I told them we’ve beaten this team before, let’s do it again. It’s been a pleasure to captain this team and I’m very proud.”

A massive congratulations to the team from all at England Hockey.

The EuroHockey ID Championships 2022, was delayed 12 months due to Covid. Therefore, the next edition of the Championships will take place in Monchengladback, Germany next summer alongside the senior EuroHockey Championships 2023. Please keep an eye out across the England Hockey channels at the beginning of the new season where we will share more info for Hockey ID players who wish to be considered for selection events.

If you wish to find out more about inclusive hockey opportunities in your area or how your club can provide opportunities please email participation@englandhockey.co.uk.