“We all suffer from the same problem. In our heads we are all 28 but our bodies tell us we are 60 or older. So ladies, don’t run too much and work together.” Lot Paats, coach of the Dutch 60+ women’s hockey team addresses her ‘girls’, ahead of their match against Australia. The Netherlands, Australia and England are taking part in the first ever Gran Masters Hockey World Cup for women over the age of 60. The tournament runs until June 13.

Until now Grand Masters hockey was for men, for players in age groups 60+, 65+, 70+ and 75+. The oldest women’s teams were 55+. But now the Netherlands, Australia and England have managed to put together teams with a minimum age of 60. “The competition is still small so we are also taking part in the 55+ Masters competition in Rotterdam as well. But you do notice that five years makes a lot of difference at this age,” says team manager Bob Roest. 

55+ players

The Dutch 60+ veterans all come from the Dutch hockey club NDHC 55+. The club, without pitches or club house, was set up in 2008 as the female equivalent of the men’s club NHC De Zestigplussers (sixty-plussers). “This year we have had enough players to form a 60+ team,” says player Marlies Bressers. The veterans have all played at a high level at some point in their careers. The most famous player in the group is former international Toos Bax. “We come from all over the Netherlands, have spent a week training at club SCHC in Bilthoven and taken part in a few little tournaments,” she says. “ But the players who did not make the final team are active at the tournament as well, as volunteers or umpires.”

Combination play

“How are you all,” says coach Lot Paats as she arrives at the Klein Zwitzerland clubhouse by bike at 12.00. “Not that it matters because we have to get out on the pitch today.” The match is against Australia, a tough opponent on paper with physically strong players. Paats outlines the tactics: “Run with the ball as little as possible, lots of combination play and no duels because they will tire you out.” The coach outlines who will play where, leads the warm up and heads for the pitch. The match lasts a full 70 minutes under the blazing sun. Australia win 3-0. 

Longer hockey career

“We’ve always been fanatical about hockey and we want continue to play long as possible,” says Marlies Bressers. “Lots of women stop when they reach veteran status because there is no age differentiation. So you can find yourself in your 50s playing someone who is 30. Joining NDHC 55+ means you can continue your hockey career.” Of course, fun and relaxation come into the equation as well. Most of the 60+ women are staying at nearby campsites during the contest. Player Mieke hopes NDHC 55+ will grow into as big a club as NHC 60+. “New members are very welcome,” she says. “Who knows, perhaps in the future we can take part in a 65+ competition.”

More on the Grand Masters World Cup at: https://sites.google.com/site/wgma2014/