England Hockey Awards 2024 Winners

The England Hockey Awards presented by Notts Sport took place on Saturday 18 May 2024 at the Athena in Leicester where 13 awards were given out.

The evening began crowning Zach Wallace as Men’s Senior Performance Player of the Year following a sensational individual campaign that saw him nominated for FIH Men’s Player of the Year.

Sabbie Heesh was awarded Women’s Senior Performance Player of the Year after playing an integral part in Great Britain’s Olympic qualification and reaching the semi-finals of the EuroHockey Championships with England.

Men’s Junior Performance Player of the Year went to Jacob Payton following an excellent season with Great Britain EDP, England U21 and Exeter University where he was crowned BUCS champion.

Lottie Bingham was honoured with Women’s Junior Performance Player of the Year; she began the year being selected for England U21s and also achieved promotion with Holcombe Women’s 1s back to the Premier League.

Old Georgian’s Men’s 1s received the Special Recognition Elite Team of the Year award after winning their third-straight EHL Premier Division title as well as a bronze medal in the Euro Hockey League.

Emily Guy received the Hockey Maker of the Year award after another year of fantastic contribution across events at Lee Valley, the Masters European Championships and the Masters World Cup.

Coach of the Year went to University of Bristol’s Chris White who did a remarkable job in emotional circumstances following the passing of Ben Dudley in April 2023.

Christine O’Donovan was awarded the Official of the Year. She has shared her knowledge and expertise of her over 30-year career with young umpires, extending an arm to the younger generation. 

Rising Star award went to 19-year-old Becky Ikeson who overcame a traumatic accident to continue to thrive by excelling at hockey and coaching the juniors.

Sustainable Club of the Year went to Nottingham Hockey Centre after taking great steps to reduce their carbon footprint with the likes of solar panels, bike shelters and the use biodegradable packaging for events.

Falcon Flyerz received the Diversity and Inclusion Champion award as their programme continued to excel across Surrey, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire.

Area/County Volunteer of the Year was given to Georga Reed for her outstanding efforts in officiating.

Jim Goldstraw was awarded the Unsung Club Hero. After suffering from illness in March 2022, Jim returned as an umpire for low-level games before running Old Silhillians successful goalkeeper coaching sessions.

Lifetime Achievement award was presented to Glyn Thomas whose 70-years of service to the sport has left hockey in a much better place. Beginning his love affair as a 13-year-old boy, Glyn went on to play a key role in establishing Newport HC.

Macclesfield Men’s 1s were honoured with Men’s Team of the Year after they achieved consecutive promotions, dominating Division 2 with 60 points of out 66.

Women’s Team of the Year went to Kirkby Lonsdale 1s who’s positive and welcoming mantra helped them on their way to earning an unbeaten record in North West Division 3 league with a 110 goal difference.

Newport Hockey Club were awarded Emerging Club of the Year after a membership increase of over 60 members, doubling their junior section and introducing three more adult teams.

To cap off a fantastic night, South Berkshire HC were awarded Club of the Year thanks to a host of positive landmarks. They achieved ClubMark status in July 2023, formed a young umpires’ group, established Walking Hockey sessions and reinforced their developmental pathways.