Testimonials

“I joined Hockey Mentors at the start of the project and have enjoyed every aspect of it. I have met and played with some great players, mentors and coaches. I have been offered amazing support, this has included individual mentoring from experienced players, to guide me through the next stage of my development, been made captain of the team and assistance with university applications. All this has increased my confidence, improved my skills and grown my love for hockey.”

Archie Crowley (England U18)

“My whole experience with HM has been amazing! Coming from a Non-hockey playing State school, I don’t get the programmes and opportunities provided by Private Schools but HM has helped bridge that gap for me. Mentoring by Mollie has been so helpful and I’ve loved our conversations. Then the camps….Wow, playing at Lee Valley and being taught by the best! The likes of Nick Bandurak, Jake Owen, Mollie Mason and Morgan Males to name a few…what an experience! I can’t wait for more next year”

Fran Davies (England U16)

“My daughter Siobhan started with Hockey Mentors in summer 2021. Since then she has participated in camps, met GB players and made friends with a lot of the Hockey Mentors players around the country. She has loved being mentored by current GB players Millie Giglio and Darcy Bourne, as well as being taught how to drag flick by Nick Bandurak. It was great the support she received when she missed out on England U16s selection at the final stage this year, receiving encouragement via a 1-1 mentoring chat from Darcy Bourne who gave her advice regarding setbacks and how to overcome them” (Alison Daley, Mum of Siobhan Daley)

Siobhan Daley (England U16/U18 Trials & National League)

“Since joining Hockey Mentors, doors opened for me. I didn’t have high levels of exposure to hockey as I’m a state school player. I’ve been fortunate enough to experience quality coaching, training, zoom sessions with GB players and matches. This allowed me to grow further as a person and as a player, believing in myself. Players come together from all over the country and we’ve all become friends. I look at Hockey Mentors as a family. They’ll look after you as a person and inspire you to be a better player. Thank you!”

Maelona Rees (England U18 & National League)

“Joining Hockey Mentors has been hugely beneficial for my hockey journey, enabling me to meet and train with high level players from across the country and providing specialist goalkeeper training from the likes of Dave Sharp and Hero Goalie Co that has helped me with my selection for the England U18 boys squad this season. Hockey Mentors also set me up with regular zoom calls with James Mazarelo throughout my first year in the program, a great opportunity to chat about hockey and get advice from a senior international goalkeeper. Overall, participation in Hockey Mentors has been and continues to play a strong role in my hockey development, with highlights in the competitions program being playing against premier league players in the indoor Copperbox and against Wales U17s outdoor. Playing and developing my hockey with Hockey Mentors has been great fun and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested.”

Doulas Duffus-Hodson (England U18 & National League)

“I have been part of Hockey Mentors for a year and a half now and have enjoyed playing with lots of different people from all over the country. The exposure to high-level, National League coaching has also been fantastic, such as during camps at Lee Valley and Birmingham University. I have also enjoyed playing against some of the country’s leading private schools such as Whitgift and Repton. The indoor matches and tournament in December were a great way to brush up on my skills and technique ready for the indoor season with my club and it was a great experience to be able to play alongside quality Premier League players as part of the adult team. As I do not play any hockey at my state school, it is all at club level, HM has provided me with other opportunities to play a good standard of hockey throughout the year which has been invaluable.”

Sam Carleton (EDP/England U18 & National League)

“Throughout my time at Hockey mentors I’ve met people from all over the country. This has allowed me to create many knew friends whilst in the process of being challenged and tested in every session/camp. In addition the standard of coaching and the variety of their skill sets has not only benefited me but everyone at hockey mentors helping to produce teams that have strength throughout. Additionally, hockey mentors has exposed me to the many opportunities out there through the school matches we take part in, and in these matches regardless of who is in the team, because of the community created by the hockey mentor coaches, there is a friendly and positive atmosphere when we play together, with new ones feeling comfortable and supported and older players developing their leadership skills. This has been reflected through the our match results. Additionally by having current internationals as our mentors it’s allowed us to ask questions and gain feedback from the highest level of players out there, which has helped me personally and gives me an insight of how high performance athletes think and feel.”

Lettie Hughes (England U16/U18 & National League)

“Without a doubt Hockey Mentors has been absolutely pivotal in my journey to National Age Group hockey. Jack has provided us with superb camps, 1:1 sessions, zoom meetings with Team GB players, matches against against top flight teams, and access to mentors with huge amounts of international experience. I have thoroughly enjoyed all my HM hockey, and above all know that Jack and the team always have my best interests at heart. If, like me, you haven’t quite had the same opportunities through your school hockey as many others have had, Hockey Mentors is a superb programme to boost your technical skills, tactical knowledge and confidence, all within a fun and safe environment. I can’t recommend it highly enough.”

Holly Hartley (England U16/U18)

“Since joining Hockey Mentors my game has improved drastically. This is thanks to the opportunities I’ve had, particularly being coached by past and present international hockey players as well as being supported by my mentor, Morgan Males. Being part of Hockey Mentors has also given me the chance to play so much more hockey and with great players my age. It’s been brilliant to play with them against some of the best schools in the country. Not only has my hockey improved but I have also made loads of new friends who all come from similar backgrounds to me”

Izzy Duck (England U16)

“Hockey Mentors in-person days are the best! It is great to make new friends who play at a high standard and then see them several times a year. I now know people pretty much at any hockey thing I go to across the country. The chance to play against top private schools has given me exposure to play that I wouldn’t have experienced otherwise. I have been lucky enough to have 1 to 1 support with Ollie Payne, he is a really nice guy and he lets me ask anything really. He is really generous with his time and advice.”

Ambrose Davies (England U16/U18)

“Hockey Mentors has been pivotal as part of Eddies ongoing journey through senior hockey and played a major role in helping him transition between clubs and age groups. As parents we’ve found HM have always been there for us and given us equal support when we ourselves have had questions or problems navigating a sometimes complex system. Hockey Mentors are fully aware of what it takes to enable our children to reach their full potential and we have found their help invaluable. They have been more like friends and have gone above and beyond on many occasions.” Review from Parents of Eddie.”

Eddie Rowney (England U18 & National League)

“I joined Hockey Mentors as a goalkeeper a year ago and my journey with them has been amazing! Every session, camp, match or tournament has been a successful learning adventure. I have gained a deeper understanding of goalkeeping, from positioning to reflexes. I have been advised on maintaining focus during high-pressure situations and strategies for effective communication with teammates. I have had plenty of opportunities to train at great sports venues across the country and play indoor and outdoor against top teams. Moreover, being part of Hockey Mentors has connected me with some talented and gifted boys and girls who share my love for hockey. I’m always happy to see familiar faces at any hockey event I attend across the country. With the Hockey Mentors guidance, I have also developed important life skills such as resilience, teamwork and determination. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next! I know I’m in good hands.”

Latif Kahn (England U16)

“Hockey Mentors is a brilliant family and I’ve made friends for life who share my love of hockey. I’ve had brilliant opportunities of 1-1 sessions, mentoring and indoor and outdoor competitions. I really enjoy that it’s players from all over the UK so you meet lots of new people and have the fun of not only playing with them in hockey mentors but also against them when they are at their home clubs so the camaraderie is great”

Kat Xenoudakis (England U18 Trials & National League)

“The Hockey Mentors programme has been instrumental to Joshua’s hockey development over the last 18 months. He has developed in confidence on the pitch, learnt new technical skills, tactics and knowledge that he can take back to his club and county games. His 1-2-1 sessions with Rohan Bhuhi has been great for inspiring him on where he can go on his hockey journey and the ability to talk and get advice specific to where he is now has been invaluable. The support that Hockey Mentors has provided has been a fantastic addition to his club hockey family, and has given him exposure to opportunities and connections that may otherwise been unavailable. The friendships he’s developed on the Hockey Mentors programme is wonderful and supportive, and I am sure they will be life long friendships” (Rachel Miller, Mum of Joshua Miller)

Josh Miller (County)

“Hockey Mentors is an amazing experience from playing indoor against 2 Repton teams to playing against the Birmingham University ladies 2’s. It offers great support through top quality coaches and the chance to gain a 1-1 mentor. My skills and mindsets have developed so much from attending camps and calls online with professional players. I also love the connections it give you with the social aspect of the program – meeting many like-minded teammates who I’ve become really close with. It’s presented so many amazing opportunities that I’m so grateful for and is a great program”

Pearl Mason-Smith (Talent Academy & National League)

“The Hockey Mentors Project is a community in which open-minded and enthusiastic players can see the difference in themselves in a short time. The project has given me an abundance of unique and beneficial opportunities that have not only advanced my physical and technical abilities but, they have also put a focus on the mental demands of the game. The project has allowed me to make plenty of friends, connections, and support networks across the country for life”

Tiana Nhamoniesu (Talent Academy & National League)

“Hockey Mentors has provided me with unique opportunities I otherwise wouldn’t have been able to receive as well as having an encouraging community that not only helps build incredible individual friendships but also pushes you to strive to be the best all round player you can be. Since starting the Hockey Mentors programme my confidence and ball skills has improved considerably, allowing me to develop my skills as an individual player but also allowing me to develop my understanding of the game and myself to help me play at my best as often as possible”

Fran McCormack (Talent Academy & National League)

“I’ve been involved with Hockey Mentors for 18 months now and the unique combination of opportunities the programme offers has definitely had an impact on improving my hockey. Training and competing alongside some of the best young players in the country has pushed my skill levels further in an environment that has given me confidence to try new things. The High-Performance training camps have enabled us to access great advice from the coaches and mentors including a drag flick masterclass from Nick Bandurak and a Q & A session with Fiona Crackles. Another highlight has been the chance to play indoor hockey for the first time which challenged me to adapt quickly to the format. Hockey Mentors has given me the belief that I can continue to improve technically, tactically and with my mindset and to be more ambitious with what I thought would be possible with my hockey”

Sam Wardle-Young (Talent Academy)

“Coming together with a group of players that have become a “hockey Family” who all have the same mindset and goals of playing Hockey at a high level whilst enjoying the experience and having fun is what I enjoy most about hockey Mentors. We all have common ground even though were from all over the country and play for each other rather than competing with each other as we all want to see each other succeed and break the barriers that Hockey Mentors is helping do. There is so much talent that is unknown and HM is providing a network that gives us an opportunity and access to achieve success in Hockey. The coaching has helped me further my knowledge of tactical game play and specific technique which has improved my skill set in hockey.”

Noah Drisen (Talent Academy)

“I was really nervous at first but I was made to feel welcome by the coaches and players.I have really enjoyed working with the Mentors and all the coaches on and off the pitch. I have learnt so much from them. The camps have been brilliant, I have had the chance to play on the Olympic and Commonwealth games pitches and been coached by some of the GB players, which was amazing. Hockey mentors has given me opportunities I wouldn’t have otherwise had and improved my game, skills and fitness. Thank you”

Will Strange (Talent Academy)

“I’ve really enjoyed my time so far with Hockey Mentors and feel privileged to be part of such a great programme. The High Performance Camps have been brilliant, getting to play with other players of a high standard, making lots of new friends and hearing about their experiences so far on the player pathway. The coaches and the mentors have really helped and aspired me to improve my hockey. Being given the opportunity to be coached by players from the current GB team was amazing, I especially enjoyed the drag flick masterclass from Nick Bandurak.”

Oliver Kinder (Talent Academy)

“I was with Hockey Mentors at the very start. I did not attend a hockey school or have access to hockey clubs allowing me to develop and be as good as I wanted to be. Jack took me into the Hockey Mentors family which allowed me to be supported and have access to quality coaches and play some great hockey against quality teams. HM believed in me which gave me confidence in myself, the skills to develop and have access into areas of hockey not previously available to me”

Will Fretwell, Wales U18 and National League

“Since I started HM I’ve improved tons as a player, and have made so many new friends. I’ve been lucky enough to be coached by some excellent coaches and have really enjoyed all the camps, the standard is always high. I’m so supportive of the HM purpose, supporting me on my hockey journey whilst at state school”

Anjalie Rohan, England U16s

“I feel privileged to be a part of Hockey Mentors. The entire experience has been incredible, and the opportunities I’ve been given have been nothing but positive. The training camps have been invaluable, with intense coaching and high-level training playing a significant role in refining my skills and deepening my understanding of the game. A recent highlight was the experience and exposure to high-level international competition at the Reyes tournament in Barcelona. It was a memorable milestone in my hockey journey. Another highlight of the programme has been the connections I’ve made with coaches and like-minded players. The support and guidance I’ve received have helped boost my confidence and focus, allowing me to approach each game with a clearer understanding of my strengths and areas to improve. Thank you!”

Joshi Harriss, Talent Academy

“Hockey Mentors has given me the opportunity to play against top private schools, experience national indoor hockey, and be coached by national coaches. My personal Hockey Mentors highlights include winning medals in the Men’s Indoor Hockey UK 2024 Championships; travelling to Cardiff in 2023, to play against a Wales U17 side; a residential in Ulster 2024, preparing me for future international duty, as well as high-performance camps and residentials, based at universities like Bristol and Loughborough.These have all developed my passion for hockey, my independence, confidence, and ability to play on the road. It’s opened up new horizons in terms of what’s possible, and I really value all the friendships and connections I’ve made with other top hockey players.”

Oliver Stewart, National Prem and England U18 trials

“Hockey Mentors has been an amazing experience for me. I have been able to play with outstanding players from all over the country, against top teams that I otherwise wouldn’t have access to. The coaches and locations we play in are fantastic. I am so grateful that my hockey has improved so much during my time with Hockey Mentors and I have met some of my best friends.”

Ava Igbon-Woods, Talent Academy

“Hockey Mentors has been highly impactful in my hockey journey. Since joining, I have not only developed my hockey skills and tactical knowledge, but also my confidence and mindset which has benefitted me greatly in the hockey world, but also on a personal level. HM has provided me with a range of opportunities I didn’t previously have access to as a state school player, such as playing against the top private schools and university teams in the country through the competition programme. I have always felt supported by coaches and players, as well as having 1-1 mentoring with Fiona Crackles, Mollie Mason, and Becky Manton who helped me to overcome setbacks and self confidence issues. Thanks to HM, I have made life-long friends up and down the country, I am truly grateful for everything it has done for me.”

Rowan Waine, Talent Academy & National League

“I have been with Hockey Mentors since I was in u12 and it has improved my hockey by a huge amount. Hockey Mentors is a community of players who enjoy the same sport and want to be the best they can which is inspiring. They offer high performance camps,1-1 sessions and both indoor and outdoor camps and matches which help boost hockey skills in both areas to a high standard. It really challenged me as a player and I was able to make so many friends on this hockey journey. It really encourages you to have a positive attitude when playing and it’s something that I am really grateful for doing. As well as this, they invite current internationals to come and share their stories which allow questions to be asked and advice to be given. Personally, being mentored by the likes of Mollie Mason, Fiona Crackles and Becky Manton has been a highlight for me”

Allegra Bazzolo, England U16 Trials & National League

“Joining the High Performance Hockey Program has been an incredible experience for me as a student from a state school. It has not only improved my skills on the pitch but also boosted my confidence and discipline in all areas of life. The program provides access to high-quality coaching and resources that I never thought I’d have. It’s given me the opportunity to compete at a higher level, make lasting friendships, and develop a strong sense of teamwork and resilience. The camps are so fun and I especially love the indoor elements to the program. It’s also an amazing experience to visit and play against some of the top hockey playing schools in the country. I’m grateful for this program and the doors it has opened for my future, both in hockey and beyond”

Isla Sutherland, County

“I love playing for Hockey Mentors, and have got so much out of the opportunities available. I’ve learned from some great coaches, made loads of friends and had a brilliant time at residential camps like the Bristol 1st XI camp and the U16s Barcelona tour”

Olivia Holme, England U16

“I’ve been part of Hockey Mentors for nearly 3 years,and have enjoyed every aspect of it. Having the opportunity to play against the top private schools in the country and being able to test myself against the best opposition has benefitted my game greatly. The pre-season residentials to Leicester and Bristol gave me the chance to get to know like-minded people from all around the country; while captaining the side against National League opponents Bristol University was a great experience. The exposure to top level coaching through the High Performance Camps at Lee Valley and Repton, has greatly improved my technical skills. Since my state school does not play hockey, having the chance to practise the more technical elements of my game in a high performance environment with Hockey Mentors is something that I am grateful for. Also, Hockey Mentors has provided me with lots of indoor hockey, whether it be matches against top private schools or with training sessions at Repton. I would strongly recommend Hockey Mentors to anyone who is thinking about joining. You’ll meet loads of new people as well as being able to improve as a hockey player.”

Chris Gadsen, Talent Academy

“Hockey Mentors is an amazing programme which supports players to grow in an inclusive environment with great coaching and games. The camps are so much fun because you can improve as a player while doing drills that are unique and exciting. At camps you experience both on and off pitch sessions – the off pitch sessions are usually around team culture or personal development which everyone can find very useful, and the on pitch sessions are times to play at a high intensity and learn new skills with amazing coaches. This has helped me to improve technically and I have found it super helpful! The matches are great opportunities to play with other players from state schools around the country and make friends, as well as an opportunity to showcase your skills, learn from others and benefit from great high-quality coaching!”

Rita Box, England U16

“I have been a part of the hockey mentors programme for 2 years now and have loved every minute of it. Coming from a small club and a non-hockey playing state school, hockey mentors has given me incredible opportunities to access high level hockey that I otherwise wouldn’t have had. The programme has helped me grow as a player as well as a person through the competitions programme”

Trystan Jones, England U16)

“I have been part of the Hockey Mentors program for a few years now and have been bombarded with brilliant opportunities. Throughout my time, I have played against top schools regionally in some great quality games and have also had the chance to compete abroad in Barcelona and Belfast. The tours abroad were excellent for me as it connected me to many high standard players who experience similar struggles as me when playing hockey as a state school player. There are many links to private schools and universities to help me thrive as a student athlete in the future. On top of this, I have taken part in many online talks with GB athletes and hockey mentors alumni who have given game changing advice to my peers and I. I am so grateful for the support given to me by top level coaches, who give me personal feedback regularly. Being linked to a mentor has been a huge part of the program for me as I know that my mentor has my best interests at heart; helping me progress as a person, not just a player.”

Will Farrar, Talent Academy