Editorial 

I have just returned from the European Hockey Cups in the Netherlands where I watched the action both in Amsterdam and Den Bosch. I couldn’t help thinking how disciplined and well turned hockey players are. 

These tournaments mean a lot to the clubs and success is prized, but thankfully so too is the level of sportsmanship and hockey should be proud of that. We are all accustomed to seeing the antics in many sports – the continual questioning of referees, the swearing, the spitting, and the nasty behaviour of crowds. 

What a shame these sports can’t experience the decent standards set by hockey. There is none of the poor behaviour on the pitch, the players always look smart, the crowds are friendly and appreciative and once off the pitch, the players willingly give their time to attend press interviews and talk to supporters. 

Sadly, a grand old Olympian who served his country proudly, Feroze Khan, has died aged 100 and we carry a short obituary in this issue. 

There is also a piece on the contentious no off-side rule which never fails to generate comment and controversy. 

We also look ahead to July and the announcement in Singapore of which city will host the 2012 Olympic Games. Two former Olympic players, Great Britain’s David Luckes and Mercedes Coghen from Spain have been working tirelessly to promote London and Madrid respectively, and we wish them both well. 

The best of the world’s Under 21 players are preparing for the Rabo Hockey Junior World Cup which starts soon in Rotterdam and where the future generation of stars will no doubt be produced. Mark Grant previews the tournament.

Read too, about how Ukraine is pushing its junior programme and the success story of a high school in New Jersey, USA, which has a playing record that is second to none. 

Your comments on the articles and what you’d like to read about are always welcome so please keep them coming in! 

Cathy Harris
Editor - cjharris@btinternet.com