Cup Competitions Deliver Development, New Opponents and Memorable Club Moments
The opening rounds of the 2025/26 England Hockey Championships have already showcased why clubs across the country value the opportunity to take part – offering experiences beyond league hockey, from development opportunities and new opposition to shared club moments both on and off the pitch.
Old Williamsonians embrace the competition spirit in Women’s Tier 2 Trophy
Old Williamsonians hosted Woking knowing they faced a side competing a league above. Woking demonstrated their quality to record a 5-0 win, yet the match was defined not by the scoreline but by the competitive spirit and shared enjoyment.
With several players stepping up from their 2nd XI, Old Williamsonians used the tie to give developing squad members valuable exposure. Excellent umpiring and mutual respect between the two clubs added to a memorable experience.
Maddie from Old Williamsonians said after the game:“It’s rare when you lose 5-0 to come away having really enjoyed the game, but that’s exactly what happened. These cup games give our younger players a chance to show what they’re made of – sometimes a great tackle against a Premier player can feel as good as scoring a goal. For us, this is what the Cup is about: developing our youngsters, playing teams we wouldn’t normally meet in the league, and coming away with a smile regardless of the result.”
The fixture captured the heart of the Championships – development, new challenges and a love of the game.
Woking progress to R2 of the Trophy, whilst Old Williamsonians get a second bite of the cherry with a R1 tie in the Plate, the subsidiary competition of the Trophy.
New opponents and shared spirit in Women’s Tier 4 Bowl
Horwich 1 and West Derby 1 faced off in the Women’s Tier 4 Bowl, with West Derby claiming a 3-1 victory in a competitive, enjoyable contest. The two clubs came together post-match for a team photo, reflecting both the spirit of the day and the special nature of Cup fixtures.
Aimee Gilmore shared:“It was a very competitive, fun and tough battle. We enjoyed playing someone new, and the Cup gives you a break from the pressures of league fixtures – particularly in the first round where you get a second chance should you lose.”
Horwich now look ahead to R1 of the Salver, the subsidiary competition for the Bowl, while West Derby progress to the next round of the Bowl.
West Hampstead secure home win and celebrate the value of the Vase
Men’s Tier 3 Vase: West Hampstead M2 2–0 Ipswich M2
A busy weekend at West Hampstead HC saw two men’s teams in Cup action, with the M2s securing a 2-0 victory over Ipswich in the Men’s Tier 3 Vase.
Despite varied conditions – sun, showers and everything in between – both sides delivered fast, end-to-end hockey. After a tight opening half featuring strong goalkeeping at both ends, West Hampstead’s pressure finally told in the final quarter, with Aaron Stanyard scoring twice from close range to seal the win.
For West Hampstead, the Cup offers value beyond results:
M2 Captain Rich Shapland said: “Our performance in the league has left much to be desired… but the M2s have become something of a Cup-specialist team. Good results in the Tier 3 Vase will help motivate and carry us to better results in the league too!”
Former M1 Captain Pete Newton highlighted the wider club impact: “Cup runs are a bonding experience… with new faces, places and clubhouses inspiring both on and off the field. England Hockey provides that opportunity for even amateur players within its cup formats.”
Club Comms Officer Sasha Prokofev added: “It’s hard to build engagement on a full league Saturday with so many different matches going on and no real focus. Cup weekends give us the chance to bring supporters together – last season we had around 100 people for the semi-final; this year we’re aiming to double it!”
West Hampstead progress to R2 of the Vase, whilst Ipswich will get the chance of another game in the Shield competition, there to continue the experience for first round losers.
Celebrating the ‘Cup’ experience
From development opportunities and supportive atmospheres to new opposition and shared club memories, the early-round fixtures have demonstrated the unique role the Championships play in clubs’ seasons.
Whether progressing to the next round or heading into subsidiary competitions, teams across the country continue to make the most of the opportunities the ‘Cup’ brings – togetherness, learning and experiences that last long after the final whistle.
If your club has not entered this season, but would love to get involved next season, please email jo.stratfull@englandhockey.co.uk to be added to the waitlist.
