Formby Hockey Club player lands England place

FORMBY Hockey Club are celebrating some recent successes as two of their former players have secured major roles within the European Hockey Championships in London. Michael Hoare has been selected to play for the England men's team following on from appearances in last year's World Cup and Commonwealth Games. Michael, who grew up in the village, began playing hockey at Formby Hockey and Cricket club at the age of eight along with his sisters. He played for Formby in the England Hockey National League from the age of 15 and has played for Bowden HC, Beeston HC and Wimbledon. The Formby resident has been establishing himself in the English and GB set-up since making his debut in 2012, earning a place in the 2014 World Cup squad where England finished fourth. The 29 year old previously trained to be a PE teacher but has temporarily given up teaching to concentrate on his international hockey career and the European Championships which started on August 21 at London's Olympic Park. Michael said: “It's a real team effort from England hockey to host a major championships and the staff in the background are doing a fantastic job to showcase some of the world's best hockey teams.” Tim Benford, who retired from playing at Formby Hockey Club a few years ago, is now an FIH umpire and has been selected to represent England on the umpire panel for the championships. Tom's nephews Joe and Ollie play at Formby HC junior training groups.