30 May 2014
Loughborough contingent seeking Hockey World Cup glory
A large contingent of Loughborough graduates, former players and coaches will be representing the England men’s and women’s teams at the Rabobank Hockey World Cup, taking place from 31 May - 15 June in the Netherlands.
The women’s team, who won the bronze medal in 2010, include former students Maddie Hinch, Laura Unsworth, Hannah MacLeod and Nicola White.
The squad are coached by Loughborough University Sport Hall of Fame member Jason Lee.
Speaking about the tournament ahead Jason said:
“Any group at a World Cup is going to be tough. We’re facing some of the best teams in the world and playing the USA in our first game is significant as they come into the tournament off the back of winning the Champions Challenge at the end of last month.
“Argentina is another stand out team in the group, but with all the sides ranked 11th or higher and everyone aiming for that top-two finish to reach the semi-finals, we’re under no illusions as to how tough the games will be.”
The men’s squad includes England captain and Loughborough graduate Barry Middleton, who has made over 200 appearances for England.
Also in the squad are recent sports scholars David Condon and Henry Weir, and former Loughborough Students’ player Mark Gleghorne.
The men open the tournament on 31 May with a group match against Spain.
The Loughborough contingent is completed by David Ralph and Jon Bleby, who are both assistant coaches for England Hockey.
The World Cup is the first international hockey event to be held since the recent announcement by the sport’s governing body the FIH that Loughborough University is to be its official innovation partner.
All of England’s Hockey World Cup fixtures will be broadcast by Sky Sports.