It is with great sadness that England and GB Hockey have announced the sudden passing of their former colleague, Mike Hamilton, at the age of 71. Mike’s immense contributions to the world of hockey and British Orienteering have left an enduring mark on the sports to which he dedicated his life.
Born and raised in Doncaster, Mike was a proud Yorkshireman who attended the town’s grammar school before pursuing his passion for physical education at Loughborough. His career began as a teacher in Leicestershire, where he not only excelled in physical education but also became an early advocate for IT in education. Later, his expertise in technology played a pivotal role in developing video analysis in sports, revolutionising the approach to coaching and training.
A multi-talented sportsman, Mike was not only a proficient hockey player but also excelled in cricket as a fast bowler at County 2nd XI level. His leadership skills were evident as he served as captain/coach at Leicester Westleigh HC and contributed significantly to coaching in the Midlands, leaving a lasting impact on regional junior teams and coach education.
One of Mike’s significant contributions was his role in leading Hockey Association coaching courses and staffing national residential courses at Lilleshall National Sports Centre, which became a stepping stone for many top coaches in the last four decades.
As a coach for the England U16s in the 1980s, Mike’s impact was felt by many, including former international player Simon Mason, who fondly recalls his time playing under Mike’s guidance. Simon described Mike as a knowledgeable and caring coach, whose fun-loving nature made the training sessions enjoyable, especially when he took on the challenge of training the goalkeepers with his exceptional hitting skills.
In 1985, Mike joined The Hockey Association as a Regional Coach and later served as the Director of Coaching, overseeing collaborative projects and paving the way for unified governance of the game. His dedication and hard work led to his appointment as High Performance Manager and subsequently as Performance Director, driving the development of player pathways and coach development, which laid the foundation for the performance programme we see today.
Mike’s legacy extended beyond hockey when he took on the role of Chief Executive at British Orienteering, where he served for twelve years until his retirement in 2018. His commitment to creating opportunities and fostering the right environment for player and coach development earned him the admiration and respect of many within the sports community.
The impact of Mike’s influence is echoed by Stephen Barlow, the current Competition Manager at British Orienteering, who remembers him as a supportive and kind manager, a larger-than-life figure who dedicated his time to help countless individuals in the sports industry.
As we mourn the loss of a legend, our deepest condolences go to Mike’s wife Jill, and his family during this difficult time. The void left by his passing is a testament to the monumental impact he had on the sports of hockey and orienteering, and his memory will forever be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Rest in peace, Mike Hamilton. Your legacy lives on.