England Hockey announces the England Hockey ID team that will attend the first-ever FIH Para Hockey World Cup, taking place in Belgium and the Netherlands from 20–24 August 2026.
The milestone tournament will bring together leading Para Hockey teams from around the world in a mixed-gender, six-a-side format for athletes with intellectual disabilities. England will compete in Pool B, based in the Netherlands, alongside Argentina, Bulgaria, Chile, India, Malaysia, the Netherlands and Spain.
The squad travels to the World Cup with an impressive recent record, having won silver at the last two European Championships and gold at the Special Olympics. Their selection for the inaugural global event marks another significant moment for Hockey ID in England and reflects the progress, ambition and dedication of the players, coaches and support staff involved.
England’s campaign begins on Thursday 20 August against India, followed by a second Pool B fixture against Argentina later the same day. The team will continue its pool schedule against Bulgaria, Spain, Chile, Malaysia and the Netherlands before classification matches on Monday 24 August.
Hockey ID is the elite end of disability hockey for players with intellectual disabilities, with athletes meeting international eligibility criteria to compete at the highest level. The World Cup provides a landmark platform for the team to showcase their talent, represent England on the world stage and inspire more people with intellectual disabilities to get involved in hockey.
Steve Bradley, Hockey ID team Head Coach, said: “This is an incredible opportunity to represent England at the first ever Para Hockey World Cup,
“Some of these players first experience of hockey came through Flyerz, and we would like to thank the clubs and coaches of these Flyerz sections who have supported these players to get to this level.
“Two players will be making their official debuts for England, and we wish all players the best of experiences at this first ever World Cup, which runs alongside the senior Men’s and Women’s tournament.”
Squad list:
Kes Bloxham GK St Albans HC
Ollie Graham Tunbridge Wells HC
Alison Mullan London Wayfarers HC
Mudassar Arshad Waltham Forest HC
Joel Davey Blueharts HC
Thomas Shaw Wakefield HC
Oli White Tunbridge Wells HC
Sophie Wood Harleston Magpies HC
Rob Crosse Wakefield HC
Ellen Greenall Tunbridge Wells HC
