What was it like to represent England in the World Masters Hockey World Cup?

Standing on the pitch, hearing the national anthem, and feeling that surge of pride—it’s hard to describe just how special that feeling is. There’s also something unique about competing in another country, where the excitement and sense of camaraderie are heightened as teams from across the globe come together.

What was your proudest moment during the tournament, especially as Centre Forward?

Honestly, my proudest moment was being part of the lineup, standing alongside my teammates in that English jersey. Scoring goals and winning medals are always highlights, of course, but the real achievement is just getting there. We put in so much hard work as a team, each of us playing our hearts out.

Competing against teams from around the world must have been exciting! What were some of the biggest challenges?

Absolutely—it’s always a thrill facing teams from other countries, and each game has its own unique challenges. The competition was fierce, especially against the host nation. I’ll never forget the incredible experience of facing the New Zealand Haka; it was truly memorable. We also had to adapt to constantly shifting schedules. One game might start at 8pm, then another two days later at 8am, which means adjusting everything from mealtimes to rest. Managing downtime effectively between games is always a tricky part of these tournaments.

What was the atmosphere like in Cape Town? Did you enjoy playing hockey there?

Cape Town was one of the most scenic venues I’ve ever played in, probably only rivalled by playing on a mountain (a story for another time!). The support from fans was immense, especially during our 8 pm match against the host nation on a Saturday night. The atmosphere was electric, making it one of the most memorable experiences of my hockey career.

As Director of Hockey here, how has this experience influenced your coaching style?

This experience has given me even more motivation to help our students reach their highest potential. It’s also reminded me that hockey—and sports in general—is something you can enjoy far beyond school years. Competing internationally gives me a chance to see how other nations play and to talk with coaches and players about their training methods, which I can then bring back to our programme.

Did you learn anything from this tournament that you’re excited to bring back to our school’s hockey programme?

I want to encourage our students to experience the world of hockey on an international level. Competing in such a welcoming and exciting environment is a huge opportunity, and who knows—maybe we’ll see Radnor students playing in South Africa one day. Watch this space!

Balancing training and school responsibilities must have been challenging. How did you manage it?

It definitely took some effort! I fit in a lot of early morning runs and gym sessions around lessons. I’m very grateful to the school for their incredible support, which made this possible. I know other players who don’t have the same flexibility, so I feel very lucky to be at Radnor.

What’s next for you in hockey? Any upcoming goals?

The next big event on the horizon is hopefully a strong indoor season, followed by the European Masters Championships in June—fingers crossed for selection! And, of course, I’m busy planning the next steps for Radnor students, with the possibility of some of them competing in South Africa one day.

We are incredibly proud to have Mr Allberry as our Director of Hockey, and we can’t wait to see how his experiences continue to shape and inspire our young athletes. Here’s to more goals, more medals, and perhaps even the next generation of Radnor students taking the field internationally!