SIX TEAMS CONFIRMED FOR 2017 MEN’S HOCKEY WORLD LEAGUE SEMI-FINAL

London hosts the men’s Hockey World League Semi-Final in June 2017, and the first wave of teams have been confirmed for this prestigious ten-day tournament.

Who’s playing?
The first six teams confirmed are:
England: Host nation, the 7^th-ranked team in the world with vociferous home support in London at a great time for hockey in this country
Argentina: Men’s Olympic Champions, winning their first ever gold at Rio this summer
Netherlands: Hockey powerhouse, reigning European Champions and 3^rd-ranked team in the world
India: Runners-up in this year’s Champions Trophy in London and certain to attract large support
Pakistan: Current South Asia Champions, four World Cup wins and sure to bring a large following
Korea:  Up eight places since 2009 and shocked Rio silver medallists Belgium in this year’s Champions Trophy in London
A further four teams will be confirmed next spring after a further round of qualifiers, taking the total number of competing nations up to ten.

When and where does it take place?
The tournament takes place from 15^th to 25^th June 2017 at our Olympic legacy venue, the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London.

Why is the Hockey World League Semi-Final so important?
The tournament is the vital qualifier for the 2018 Hockey World Cup, which will take place in India and is the biggest hockey competition outside the Olympics.

How do I secure tickets?
Tickets are on sale now and have been selling fast, starting at just £5 for children and £10 for adults. England games begin at £5 for children and £17.50 for adults –  http://englandhockey.seetickets.com/tour/world-league-men-s-hockey

I want to watch England, when are they playing?
If you would like to see England on home turf, they are guaranteed to be playing on Thu 15^th June (PM), Sat 17^th, Sun 18^th, Tue 20^th (PM) and Thu 22^nd. And with the top eight teams progressing to the knockout stages, our men will also be very hopeful of playing on both Sat 24^th and Sun 25^th in front of our home supporters.

Can I meet the players?
Yes, supporters young and old can meet the players for signatures and selfies in our exclusive autograph sessions after the match. Schedule permitting, our Olympic gold medal-winning women’s team will also be meeting fans at the tournament on days when England are playing.

I’m a fan of the other nations and want to watch them, when are they playing?
Every nation is guaranteed to be playing on Thursday 22^nd June, and all six nations announced today will be very confident of being in action again on both Saturday 24^th and Sunday 25^th, when the semi-finals and finals take place. So if you want to secure your seat for Argentina, Netherlands, India, Korea and Pakistan, buy now for these dates at the business end of the tournament –  http://englandhockey.seetickets.com/tour/world-league-men-s-hockey

There will also be a number of mouthwatering group games which will be announced in the coming weeks. Each nation will play four group games, and there is the possibility of huge encounters such as England vs Argentina and India vs Pakistan, stay tuned for more details.

Which days are most popular?
 In particular, Saturday 17^th June is proving very popular and availability is becoming limited. Tickets for this day give you access to a guaranteed England game among the four matches of top class international hockey on that day.

I loved the hockey in Rio this summer, but I’ve never watched it in person before. What do I need to know?
Hockey is a brilliant sport to watch in person, and this tournament will showcase just how strong, athletic and powerful the men’s teams are. It’s great value for money to watch England and other teams including the Olympic Champions. Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre is easy to get to by public transport, there’s loads to do for families, and you can have a drink with friends & family in the summertime in London! Westfield shopping centre is nearby, there’s lots to do around the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and all you need for a great day out.

How many more teams will play in the tournament?
A further four teams will be announced in spring 2017, and the likes of Ireland, Scotland and Wales are aiming to qualify for the next round .

How do I get to the venue?
Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre is our legacy venue on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. A short distance from Stratford station, Westfield shopping centre and very close to the Lee Valley VeloPark, the stadium has a capacity of 4,000 and is the home of hockey in this country.

What is there to do for families at the venue?
All of our hockey events at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre offer a brilliant family day out, and tickets for a family of four start at just £30 for afternoon matches, or from £45 when England are playing. With our Hockey Hub area for children, youngsters can try the game for the very first time, or improve their skills if they’re already playing the sport. We’ll also be looking for ball deliverers – stay tuned for more information.

Can I book hospitality?
Yes, we have top class hospitality packages with outstanding food & drink, the opportunity to meet England players in person and premium covered match seats – book here, email hospitality@englandhockey.co.uk or call 01628 897522. [URL: http://englandhockey.seetickets.com/tour/world-league-men-s-hockey]

What else can you do at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park?
There is lots to do including the brand new 76metre world’s-longest tunnel slide at the ArcelorMittal Orbit. There’s also the VeloPark, Aquatics Centre and much more besides. Search online for QEOP.

Do you have sponsorship opportunities?
Yes, we have a range of options for companies of any size, both at this tournament and other major men’s and women’s events, including title and shirt sponsorship. Contact Graham Swanson on graham.swanson@englandhockey.co.uk / 01628 897520.

What other international events are coming up in London?
Our women’s team will play in the Investec London Cup in May 2017, and we are hosting the Women’s Hockey World Cup in July 2018.

I’d like to bring a large group of friends/schoolchildren/fellow hockey players, what can I do?
Contact tickets@englandhockey.co.uk / 01628 897522 for more details.

Who helps put on these events?
The Hockey World League is an FIH (International Hockey Federation) tournament, hosted by England Hockey. We work in partnership with UK Sport, Sport England, Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the Mayor of London’s office.

What should I do next?
Book a date in the diary to come to the Hockey World League, June 15^th to 25^th 2017!

Source: thesportfeed.com