On Saturday, 20th July 2013,  the club was joined by England Hockey and teams from around London and Holland for the Flyerz Festival of Disability Hockey. England hockey players attending the event were Kate Walsh, Helen Richardson, Maddie Hinch, Susie Gilbert, Giselle Ansley, Dan Fox, Ollie Willars and Jason Lee, as they continued their support of Forest Flyerz.

The day started great with a fun dance warm-up; first, Gangnam Style led by Flyer Jamal (and later joined by Terris in GK kit), followed by Is This The Way To Amarillo led by Kate Walsh.

Our international stars joined in the warm-up, and then played in the five-a-side tournament alongside 10 disability hockey teams. Over 50 disabled players competed in the tournament, including Dutch club Zutphen who took a flight to join us that morning, and then returned to Holland straight after the event. They were so excited about coming to London to play, and they couldn’t have had a better day with visiting Dutch team Zutphen Red coming out on top in a closely fought final; they were so happy and proud to win the trophy J

But most importantly, all the players had a great time and were buzzing all day, and all players went home with a medal as memento of a special day.

Alongside the tournament, dedicated volunteers provided food and drink, and supported children and spectators to try out their skills taking part in shooting challenges, as well as having a go at wheelchair hockey.

We were also joined by representatives from KNHB (Dutch Hockey Association), EHF (European Hockey Federation), and Sport England – all have heard lots about what we’re doing and came to see what the fuss is about. All left with a smile on their faces, and we’ve received lots of good feedback. Jamie from EHF tweeted “Here at Flyerz Festival of Disability Hockey with a number of England hockey players… amazing! Absolutely speechless at the amazing work going on here at Forest Flyerz.”

Also, several people from other clubs came along to watch the tournament and enjoy the activities. Many of them were so inspired by the day that they want to start delivering disability hockey in their own club, which we’ll support them to do; so this time next year we’ll have even more disability teams competing in the event J

So on all levels, the event was a huge success; and it’s all thanks to the incredibly dedicated volunteers we have at the club. At this event again, volunteers were out in force, with 35 people giving up their day to help out. Thank you to everyone who came along.

The day was one for the club to be proud of, and this looks to become an annual event in our calendar, and also that of England Hockey; well done to everyone involved!