The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has today announced that England will host the Women’s World Cup in 2018, after the conclusion of a bidding process which saw England and New Zealand as the final shortlisted candidates to host the tournament.
In addition, England Hockey has also won its bids to host the Women’s Champions Event in 2016 and the Men’s World League Round 3 in 2017 as part of an FIH process to decide the venues for all of the International Federation’s major events between 2016 and 2019.
With the EuroHockey Championships already secured for August 2015, there is now an exciting calendar of major international hockey events to look forward to in this country, as the sport continues to go from strength to strength.
The purpose-built Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre on London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, is currently being developed as part of the hockey legacy following the London 2012 Olympic Games and will play host to the events.
The 2018 Women’s World Cup will form part of UK Sport’s Gold Event Series, which is investing £27million of National Lottery funding to bring up to 70 world-class events to Great Britain to help build a strong legacy from London 2012.
Liz Nicholl, Chief Executive of UK Sport, said: "Through UK Sport’s Gold Event Series we will be bringing a major hockey championship to Great Britain on a regular basis from 2015 culminating in the Women’s World Cup in 2018.
"Supporting the staging of these high profile, world-level events demonstrates our commitment to helping to build a strong legacy from London 2012. Hockey is doing an excellent job building on their medal success in London and it is particularly pleasing to have won the bid for this prestigious world event that will showcase our committed, skilful and talented female role models to inspire the next generation."
Of the World Cup bid’s success, Minister for Sport Helen Grant said: "As a life-long hockey fan I’m delighted that England Hockey’s bid has been successful and I know this country will deliver a truly outstanding tournament on the Olympic Park. The 2018 Women’s World Cup will give us an opportunity to take the women’s game to new heights, and inspire both women and children to participate."
England Hockey Chairman Philip Kimberley commented: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have secured the World Cup. It’s of huge importance to us as we look to build our momentum and increase the visibility of our sport. We have an excellent track record of driving interest and participation through major events, and hosting world-level events of such significance means we can continue our sustained effort to get more people playing and watching our sport, and in particular deliver a legacy of female participation in hockey. My thanks go to all concerned who worked with us on the bids”
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson said: “Last year’s phenomenal Olympic and Paralympic Games showed the world that when it comes to hosting major sporting events London is unsurpassed. I am delighted that the International Hockey Federation has recognised that there is no better place on earth in which to host their events.
“The Greater London Authority has been working very closely with UK Sport and England Hockey to secure this competition. Our success is well-deserved and we all look forward to an exciting few years of world-class hockey here in London.”
In addition, England Hockey has submitted bids to host the Women’s Champions Event in 2016 and the Men’s World League Round 3 in 2017, the results of which will be announced on the morning of 8 November.
To find out more information about England Hockey, or register interest for upcoming events, visit the England Hockey website.