Having been absent from the competitive indoor arena for seven years, England will return to Indoor International hockey in 2008 when the senior men’s and women’s teams will take part in the EuroHockey Indoor Nations Challenge. This will be hosted by England Hockey at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre in Sheffield between 18-20 January 2008.

The development of the Indoor season is an important element to the overall England Hockey performance plan which has received widespread support for the re-introduction of the Indoor game at International level from all areas.  Following two very successful Indoor finals weekends held in 2006 and 2007 at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham, it is clear the game has a place in the hockey calendar.

From December 2007 the Indoor season will span two months with the EHL Indoor leagues commencing in December rather than January which has been the case in the past.  A closed indoor season was supported in phase two of the Performance Plan consultation.

Details of the International Indoor programs will be confirmed later this year.  The Indoor squads will be part of the senior outdoor teams program and the coaching and management staff appointed to lead the programs are likely to be from those currently involved with the International teams. This will ensure a consistent Performance coaching approach and support to England’s International athletes.

The athletes will also be from within the current programs as it is expected the Indoor game will help develop the skills and knowledge of our developing athletes.

Source: England Hockey