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 U18 Development Squad & 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 (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 & 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)

“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)

“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 (County)

“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 (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)