Danson-Bennett to champion inclusivity as England Hockey’s new president

After an illustrious playing career that spanned more than two decades, Marlow’s Alex Danson-Bennett has been announced as England Hockey’s new president.

One of the most decorated athletes in the history of the British hockey, Danson-Bennett will use her experiences of winning at major championships to lead and guide the sport to even greater heights.

She has already inspired many within the sport with her journey from the grassroots game to the international stage and her achievements as a player include winning Olympic gold with Great Britain at the Rio Games in 2016.

Her leadership qualities were evident throughout her career as she served both England and Great Britain as captain, while her courage has been shown in recent years in her recovery from a debilitating head injury that eventually forced her retirement from the sport she loves.

In recent years she has worked as a performance champion for Vitality, helping businesses prioritise the health and well-being of their staff and she also performed a mentoring role for Great Britain’s players as they won bronze at the delayed Tokyo Games in 2021. As an ambassador for the sport, she’s also advocated increased participation in schools and clubs championed for better accessibility and inclusivity at hockey clubs.

Upon accepting the role, Danson-Bennett expressed her excitement and gratitude, saying: "It’s an absolute privilege to become the England Hockey President. Hockey has been a part of my DNA for as long as I can remember, and it has given me some of my greatest joys in life. I understand how important it is to influence at both national and international level and I hope to bring this to the role.

“I am deeply passionate about the opportunities it offers for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. I look forward to working alongside the dedicated team at England Hockey to further enhance the game and its impact on communities across the country."