Mike served as a Member-Elected Non-Executive Director on the England Hockey Board from March 2012 through to March 2019. His professional career, as a Director and Company Secretary for Civica, is in finance and technology and bringing financial expertise, Mike also played a role in the Finance and Audit Committees and chaired the Facilities Committee, allocating Sport England funding for new and refurbed pitch facilities.
Following his two terms as Non-Executive Director Mike stood for election to President, voted in by the membership at the 2019 AGM. During his time as President, Mike welcomed our patron HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh to a number of our events and to our Head Office at Bisham Abbey.
Mike served as England Hockey President for five years; presenting at hundreds of domestic events and competitions up and down the country including the 2023 EuroHockey ID Championship II in Mönchengladbach, where the team won a first ever Silver Medal, they lost to hosts Germany in the Gold Medal match. Mike carried out his presidential duties with aplomb; becoming the public face of England Hockey both nationally and internationally, being present whenever time allowed.
Mike’s playing journey started at Derwent HC in the Peak District. It continued at Sheffield Polytechnic (now Hallam University) and Chesterfield HC where he gained county caps for Derbyshire. He moved to Sheffield Hockey club in the late 1980s and became part of one of its most successful teams winning county cups, many northern premier league successes and qualification for the National League where he played for a number of seasons. He was known as an uncompromising defender particularly by opposing forwards! Leaving the Sheffield area he joined Banbury Hockey Club and continued to play first team hockey for some years before turning his hand to team management.
Whilst his playing career might be somewhat curtailed, Mike is as keen as always to be involved in all aspects of the sport. Mike discharged his Board and Presidential duties with commitment, dedication and passion; supporting the organisation through governance changes and a pandemic, as well as presenting medals at competitions and awards ceremonies. An incredible advocate for the sport of hockey, it is befitting that he should now receive our prestigious award to recognise his unwavering contribution.
Mike was awarded Member of Honour at the FIH Pro League tournament at Lee Valley in June 2025.
