London Cup, a new international event to be hosted by England – Hockey News
London Cup is to be introduced for the first time in Great Britain that will be at the University of Westminster’s Quintin Hogg Memorial Sports Ground in Chiswick, West London starting from July 12-16, 2011.
This means that the city will encompass international hockey matches almost one year prior to the 2012 London Olympics. The London Cup will commence among Korea, Belgium, 2010 Commonwealth Games bronze-holders New Zealand and the European Champions England.
Jonathan Cockcroft EHB Commercial and Membership Director commented over the launch of London Cup that bringing hockey to the city will allow the fans an opportunity to witness World class game being played by their future Olympians live, almost a year before
the 2012 Olympics.
He further said, “The London Cup will be an annual event which will form a key part of the Great Britain and England Hockey squads’ calendar in the future.”
England Men’s hockey team captain Barry Middleton said, “The team is getting increasingly excited about this opportunity to play in London especially with the London 2012 Olympics only a year away.”
A total of eight matches will take place during the tournament among the four participant teams. Additionally, July 12 will be the Schools day in which children will be provided with few activities such as trying their hand at hockey, check out the sport’s
latest equipment set and meet the international hockey stars. Moreover, the visitors will be allowed a chance to attempt shots at hockey’s tame goalkeeper and show off their talents.
Furthermore, there will be a number of corporate hospitality packages that include Business Lunch and Awards Lunch as well.
The London Cup to be played in 2012 is expected to act as the Olympic Test Event at the Olympic Park. Later, the tournament will move to the hockey’s legacy venue, the Lee Valley Hockey Centre in 2014.
The schedule for the tournament has also been announced that is as follows:
Tuesday July 12: Korea v New Zealand and England v Belgium
Wednesday July 13: Belgium v New Zealand and England v Korea
Thursday July 14: Rest Day
Friday July 15: Belgium v Korea and England v New Zealand
Saturday July 16: Bronze Medal Match and Gold Medal Match
Having to see the top class hockey teams on home soil, the British fans will be more than excited to come see hockey live at the venue. It will be interesting to see how the London Cup attracts attention and support for hockey in England before the 2012
London Olympics. The organisers will be looking for a good turn out to the Cup as this will give a good indication of the popularity of the hockey and the potential of the sport during the Olympics.
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