The future of women’s hockey is a concern for British field hockey player Laura Roper, a three-time Olympic medalist. Roper, who made her debut for Great Britain in 2008, anticipates retiring after the Paris 2024 Games. She is apprehensive that other sports such as football, netball, and cricket, which offer professional careers for athletes, may draw talented individuals away from hockey.
Roper believes that it is crucial for hockey to remain competitive with other sports that are currently at the forefront, emphasizing the need for financial backing to support women’s hockey. She highlighted the sponsorship and financial support that sports like football and cricket receive from their male counterparts, underlining the importance of securing appropriate sponsorship for the sport’s continued growth and success.
Despite her concerns, Roper acknowledged the positive growth of the sport, particularly in terms of attendance at home matches. She also emphasized the unique appeal of field hockey as a team sport and a game loved by many, noting that the sport has undergone significant growth, citing the increase in the number of spectators at international hockey matches.
Roper’s career has been supported by UK Sport’s National Lottery-funded World Class Programme, providing elite athletes like her with the necessary resources and support, vital for her preparation for the Paris 2024 Games, which will mark her fourth appearance at the Olympics.
Her achievements in the sport are remarkable, having secured a bronze medal at London 2012, a gold at Rio 2016, and another bronze at Tokyo 2020. She has also emphasized the positive impact of women’s hockey in British sports, highlighting the sport’s unique qualities and the representation of normal individuals chasing their dreams.
It is evident that Roper’s concerns reflect the current state of women’s hockey and highlight the need to secure its future. With increasing competition from other sports, investing in and supporting women’s hockey is imperative to ensure its continued success and appeal to aspiring athletes.
National Lottery players play a crucial role in funding sports and other important causes, contributing over £30million per week. Their support is essential in driving the growth and success of women’s hockey, from grassroots to elite levels.
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