For the first time ever in the history of Scottish hockey, a squad of 16 men aged over 75s will compete in an international tournament. They are travelling to Belfast to take part in the GB&I 4 Nations competition between 16th-19th May.
Opposition will be two well established teams from England and Wales plus a combined Irish and guests squad, as the Irish haven’t got an over 75s squad as yet. Scotland M75s have in its ranks four players aged between 79 and 83 years of age! A testament to the game that has been their life, giving them the physical and mental capacity to continue to play the game they love. “Use it or lose it” could be the squad motto.
Squad coordinator Duncan Mitchell and a few other ex-M70s squad players realised there was the potential to create a pathway to further involvement for players reaching their mid-seventies and also, that those in the younger age groups, could aim and achieve selection at both international and club level in their later years.
Masters hockey is a massive sport worldwide and many countries now run 75s squads bringing more competition in future World Cups and international competition. It won’t be long until there will be over 80s squads entering major competitions – the next step for Scottish Masters in the not too distant future.
Initially, it looked a difficult task to put together. Many in this age group had stopped playing at club level because there was no facility for them. Others were coming back from injury or not playing because there was no pathway after the 70s. Perseverance and determination brought numbers on paper showing willingness to participate. Eventually this brought most of the squad to their first training session and a match against Scotland Masters Ladies medal-winning 65s squad. Giving a good account of themselves losing by two “questionable goals” showed the side could compete well.
Previously, in a tournament at Timperley near Manchester, a side containing nine Scottish 75s drew 0-0 with the full Dutch international squad. It was a “backs to the wall” encounter but a moral victory for the Scots.
Given the short timescale to pull the squad together the fact they stand on the precipice of international competition is remarkable.
The oldest player is Dougie Morrice who is 83. Dougie is one of the founder members of masters hockey in Scotland and is one of the best examples of just what can be achieved at any age group in what is a sport for life.
At the other end of the scale, because a few players were unavailable, the Scottish side have a concession to field two underage players. One will cover a late withdrawal of a player. The other was our goalkeeper – because there is no 75-year-old goalkeeper in Scotland that we know of!
Next year will result in competition for places as later aged 70s squad players start to come through to the age bracket – so the future is looking good!