• Competitions & Events

England Masters at Amersham Ahead of World Cup

More than 120 players gather for final preparations before Breda 2026

On 23 July, Amersham & Chalfont Hockey Club welcomed more than 120 players, managers and supporters as four England Masters squads travelled to the club for their final warm-up fixtures before the 2026 Masters Hockey World Cup, taking place in Breda, Netherlands, from 6–16 August.

The event brought together some of the country's finest Masters players and created an outstanding day of international hockey, with glorious weather adding to the occasion.

Amersham & Chalfont's Senior Grand Masters have hosted England squads on several previous occasions, but this was the largest gathering the club has ever welcomed.

Match Results

England Over 75s B 3–1 England Over 80s A

The opening fixture saw England Over 80s A make a strong start, going into half-time level at 1-1 against England Over 75s B.

Experience and fitness eventually proved decisive as the Over 75s pulled away in the second half to record a 3-1 victory.

England Over 75s A 6–0 Chiltern Over 70s

The second match featured a Chiltern Over 70s side, selected from Amersham & Chalfont Senior Grand Masters and regular Thursday players, taking on the formidable England Over 75s A squad.

As the reigning World and European Champions, England demonstrated their quality throughout, securing a convincing 6-0 win.

Despite the scoreline, the Chiltern side, captained by Mark Tonkin, performed with great determination against one of the strongest Masters teams in world hockey.

Chiltern Over 75s 8–0 England Over 80s B

The day's final fixture produced an impressive display from the home side.

A Chiltern Over 75s team, captained by Alan Wade, defeated England Over 80s B by 8-0 after an outstanding attacking performance.

Goalscorers

  • Arthur Creswell (3)
  • Narinder Lota (2)
  • John Burton
  • Mukesh Phakey
  • Alan Wade

Even after switching forwards and defenders during the second half, the Chiltern side continued to create chances and score.

Masters World Cup Representation

The strength of hockey within the Amersham & Chalfont Senior Grand Masters community is reflected in the number of players travelling to Breda.

Players from the Thursday Masters programme will represent:

  • England Over 70s
  • England Over 75s
  • England LX Over 70s
  • England LX Over 75s
  • Ireland Over 70s
  • Wales Over 70s
  • Wales Over 75s
  • Welsh Dragons Over 70s
  • Scottish Thistles Over 70s
  • Celts

Including those unavailable for the warm-up fixtures, more than 50 Thursday regulars will compete at the 2026 Masters World Cup.

Everyone at Amersham & Chalfont Hockey Club wishes all competing players and England squads every success in Breda.

Join the Senior Grand Masters

Throughout the season, Senior Grand Masters hockey takes place every fortnight on Thursdays, providing players aged 70 and over with competitive hockey, great company and the chance to reconnect with friends from across the game.

Last season:

  • 107 different players took part.
  • Up to six teams competed in round-robin matches.
  • The oldest participant was an impressive 89 years young.

The new season begins on Thursday 17 September, and new players aged 70 and over are always welcome.

For further information, contact info@achc.org.uk.