Impact that strengthens the whole sport

The difference we create

Hockey Mentors exists to widen access to elite hockey pathways so talented players can be identified, developed and supported based on ability. Our impact is measured through progression, visibility and competitive depth – helping players grow while strengthening the future of English hockey.

We don’t measure success by participation alone. We measure it by confidence, progression and performance. By creating high-performance environments through coaching, competition and connection, Hockey Mentors helps players develop the confidence, resilience and game understanding needed to progress into elite pathways.

When more talent becomes visible, standards rise.

Evidence of Impact

Changing player confidence

Before joining Hockey Mentors, 96.3% of state school players said they would feel at a disadvantage to private school peers in English hockey.

After joining the programme, 63.7% said they now feel they have similar opportunity to succeed, with a further 13.9% feeling at an advantage.

For ethnic minority players, the shift was equally significant. Before Hockey Mentors, 46.7% felt at a disadvantage and none felt at an advantage.

After joining, 40% said they now feel at an advantage, while another 40% feel they have similar opportunity to succeed.

Three Areas of Progression

Talent Visibility

We help talented players be seen.

Across England, players can be overlooked because access to high-quality coaching, competition and visibility is not always equal.

Hockey Mentors creates environments where players are judged on ability and performance.

This helps progression reflect merit as fully as possible.

Competitive Depth

We strengthen the talent pipeline.

High-performance sport depends on depth, not just individual excellence.

In player surveys, Hockey Mentors was rated more positively for personal progression than club junior hockey, county hockey and talent academies.

Inclusive talent is a competitive advantage.

Personal Growth

We support development on and off the pitch.

Players build resilience, fast decision-making and confidence under pressure.

They also become part of a strong community of like-minded athletes who challenge and support each other.

This creates not only better players, but stronger young people.

What players value most

Competition. Coaching. Connection.

Early in the programme, one thing became clear: players needed three things most.

Competition – Meaningful opportunities to test themselves in demanding environments.
Coaching – High-quality training that reflects the standards of elite hockey pathways.
Connection -Access to mentors, role models and peers who help players feel they belong.

of players said Hockey Mentors provided high-quality coaching

said it provided high-quality competition opportunities

said it gave them the opportunity to meet like-minded peers

Culture that feels different

Excellence With Belonging

Creating high-performance environments should never mean sacrificing support.

At Hockey Mentors, one of our core objectives is to build a culture of excellence, kindness and ambition.

Nearly 90% of players rated this culture 4 or 5 out of 5, showing that high standards and strong support can exist together.

This matters because players perform best when they feel they belong.

Long-Term Impact

Strengthening National Standards

Widening access to elite pathways does not lower standards.

It strengthens them.

When more talented players enter the system:

Competition deepens
Progression becomes more meritocratic
The visible talent pool expands
National standards improve

This is not simply about opportunity.
It is about building a stronger future for the sport.

Inclusive Talent. Stronger Competition. Better Hockey.

Hockey Mentors demonstrates that widening pathways is not separate from performance.It strengthens it. Because when opportunity reflects ability, the whole sport moves forward.