Hockey Wales Men qualify for their first World Cup as the National Centre turns 50

The hockey pitch

Fifty years ago, the hockey pitch at the National Centre would be unrecognisable compared to the one that Wales Men played on when they qualified for their first ever World Cup.

Wayne recalled how it once looked: “The first hockey pitch we had was a stone, dust pitch. When it rained, it flooded up to the halfway line.” 

“The flags were made from metal poles sunk into concrete in old paint tins and then painted white. And the material used for the flags was cut from an old tablecloth which our linen department cut and sewed together. It was great team effort”

Since the women qualified back in 1983, not only does the pitch look different but so does the sport of hockey as a whole.

Ria said: “The equipment and the pitch is far more advanced which affects the speed and technical aspects of the game. Tactically the game is more astute. The contact time and opposition has increased and improved while our players are consistently playing a higher level of hockey. 

But some things are the same today as they were in 1983, but Ria is positive that will change in the future. 

“Unfortunately, as in 1983, our players today still contribute financially to their performance programme - a challenge we are working to resolve.

“We are extremely grateful to our former athletes and the path they have paved for our players of today. We are excited for our future, as our current players continue to inspire and enthuse.

“This for us is not about 2023, it is about changing the perception and profile of Hockey and ensuring that we are in the 2026 World Cup and the next and the next.”

The National Centre

It’s not just the hockey pitch that’s had a facelift or two over the past 50 years. Sport at the National Centre in the 70’s and 80’s was unrecognisable to what it is now.

What’s a Watt Bike? A Fit-Bit? Equipment and technology were an obvious difference and the only thing your watch could tell you back then was the time. 

A trip in a time machine would shock you! And that wouldn’t just be down to the neon headbands and leg warmers on show.

There were no recovery drinks and protein shakes after an intense gym session at the Centre. Instead, you’d sneak up to the top floor of your local leisure centre for a swift pint, glass of wine and cigarette. In fact, you might skip the exercise part altogether. 

If your parents tell you they know best, maybe there was a time they didn’t.

“We would have people coming in to have a sunbed and then go for a drink with their friends.” Wayne said 

“I think it’s the biggest difference I’ve seen and something that is unthinkable now, but it was just the culture back then.”

The first set of data was published in 1986 and it threw up some very interesting insights, with comparisons being slightly difficult as being active 3 times a week is a modern trend. 

It showed that 54% of adults (aged 15+) in Wales participated in sport at least once in the previous four weeks. In 2020, 32% of adults (16+) participated in a sporting activity three times a week or more.

Perhaps not surprising to those with longer memories, indoor games (34% participated in the previous 4 weeks) formed a firm part of the nation’s sporting activity. Snooker, darts and billiards seeing a boom period in the era of Dennis Taylor, Steve Davis and Llanelli’s own World Champion Terry Griffiths.

Changing tastes and overseas influence are other huge factors on the sporting participation lists of today. Five decades ago, there is no sign of activities such as BMX biking, archery, rock climbing, skateboarding and kayaking, while all see significant participation.

So, here’s to the next 50 years of the Sport Wales National Centre and more Hockey World Cup appearances.