Tunbridge Wells Hockey Club is celebrating another landmark moment for its Flyerz programme, with Ollie Graham, Ellen Greenall and Oli White selected to represent England at the inaugural FIH Para Hockey World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands next month.

Representing your country is an extraordinary achievement for any athlete. To do so at the first World Cup of its kind makes this an especially significant moment—not only for Ollie, Oli and Ellen and their families, but for everyone involved in Flyerz hockey at Tunbridge Wells and across the country.

Their selection reflects years of commitment, determination and hard work from the players themselves, together with the support of their families, coaches, teammates and volunteers.
It also adds another chapter to a proud history of international representation by Tunbridge Wells Flyerz.

Players from the club have previously represented England in Hockey ID at European Championships and Great Britain at the Special Olympics and the European pre-tournament that preceded them. Those achievements show that our Flyerz programme is not only making a difference locally but also giving players the opportunity to represent their country and compete on the international stage.

Among those achievements is one piece of history that can never be taken away. Ellen became the first woman to score a competitive goal for an England Hockey ID team—a record that will always endure.

The World Cup selection of three more Tunbridge Wells players is therefore another proud first for a programme that has helped put both our club and inclusive hockey firmly on the national map.

Yet this story is about more than international selection.

People with intellectual disabilities continue to face barriers in many areas of everyday life, including too few opportunities to participate, compete and receive proper recognition for their achievements. Sport can help change that. It can build confidence and independence, create friendships, challenge perceptions and provide a genuine sense of belonging.

The first FIH Para Hockey World Cup is an important step towards ensuring that athletes with intellectual disabilities are seen, recognised and celebrated on the same world stage as other international sportspeople.

At Tunbridge Wells Hockey Club, we have always believed that hockey should be for everyone. Since establishing our Flyerz section in 2017, we have seen at first hand the enormously positive impact that hockey can have on players and their families.

The confidence, friendships and opportunities created through Flyerz are exceptional. The programme is an integral part of our club and one of the things of which we are most proud.

We know that the whole Tunbridge Wells Hockey Club family will be following England’s progress next month and cheering on Ollie, Oli and Ellen throughout the tournament.

Further information about the England squad and the inaugural FIH Para Hockey World Cup can be found in England Hockey's recent announcement.

We will share details nearer the start of the tournament about how members can follow the action—and, we hope, where some at least of the matches can be watched online.

For now, everyone at Tunbridge Wells Hockey Club congratulates Ollie, Ellen and Oli on a wonderful and thoroughly deserved achievement.

Another first for our Flyerz. Another proud moment for our club.