By Lucas Ball
Holcombe’s Ollie Payne, David Ames, Phil Roper and Nick Bandurak have been named in Great Britain’s squad for their first FIH Pro League matches of the new season.
Bandurak could make his GB debut having scored 21 goals in 20 England caps so far in his international career.
View from the coaches [Great Britain Hockey]
Women’s Head Coach David Ralph said: “Representing Great Britain is the pinnacle of the sport and congratulations to everyone selected. For those in line to win their first cap this is a hugely significant moment and well done to them for getting to this level.”
David got to see his squad in action in a three-game test series in Spain earlier this month and is now looking forward to competitive action. “Taking on the number one and two teams in the world is a fantastic challenge for our group and these are our first competitive matches as GB in this cycle. It’s a new venue for us in Santiago del Estero and we can’t wait to get going.”
Men’s Head Coach Paul Revington said: “It’s a really exciting challenge, Argentina is one of the hardest nations to travel to and win hockey matches, not least because of the passion that comes from the stands and onto the pitch. A few of our guys haven’t been to Argentina before and they can’t wait to play them in their own backyard. We’re also looking forward to playing the Netherlands while we are over there, our last games against them were a war of attrition and we’re looking forward to renewing that rivalry.”
Fixtures
Great Britain women
Tue 13 Dec Great Britain v Netherlands (W), 10pm UK time
Thu 15 Dec, Great Britain v Argentina (W), 10pm UK time
Fri 16 Dec, Great Britain v Netherlands (W), 10pm UK time
Sun 18 Dec, Great Britain v Argentina (W), 10pm UK time
Great Britain men
Wed 14 Dec, Great Britain v Netherlands (M), 00:30am UK time
Fri 16 Dec, Great Britain v Argentina (M), 00:30am UK time
Sat 17 Dec, Great Britain v Netherlands (M), 00:30am UK time
Mon 19 Dec, Great Britain v Argentina (M), 00:30am UK time
Argentina vs Netherlands
Wed 14 Dec, Argentina v Netherlands (W), 10pm UK time
Thu 15 Dec, Argentina v Netherlands (M), 00:30am UK time
Sat 17 Dec, Argentina v Netherlands (W), 10pm UK time
Sun 18 Dec, Great Britain v Argentina (M), 00:30am UK time
How to watch
All Great Britain games will be live on BT Sport. Games between Argentina and Netherlands will either be on BT Sport or free on watch.hockey depending on TV schedules. You can also follow GB Hockey and FIH social channels for key details and insights, both on matchday but also across the trip.
What’s next?
Great Britain’s next fixtures after this mini-tournament are in April 2023 when they take on Australia and New Zealand in Christchurch.
Then in May and June London plays host to two mini tournaments. From 26 May to 4 June, Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre plays host to Belgium and China’s women, plus India’s men and Belgium’s Olympic and World Champion men. Then from 16 to 21 June, Germany’s men and women come to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, along with USA women and Spain men as Britain take on the best in the world and begin their journey towards Paris 2024.
How can I get a ticket for home games?
Tickets will be on sale this week to those in our hockey family – if you have bought GB / ENG tickets before or are on our database. You’ll get first access to the best seats at the cheapest possible price, with children from just £5 for two games and adults only £15.
What’s new this season?
The tournament format is now split into mini-tournaments across the world, making for some great hockey around the globe. This season is the first to see the bottom team be relegated and replaced by a team from the FIH Nations Cup, which includes the likes of Ireland as well as India’s women and Pakistan’s men. In future seasons the Pro League will also be used for Olympic and World Cup qualification spots.
The full squads can be viewed on the link.