Bedford hockey player, 75, gets 'bug' again after 40-year gap

Steph Daniels progressed from walking hockey back to playing the full game

A woman who started playing hockey again after a 40-year gap said she had got the "bug" once more, and had even been to trials for England's over-70s.

Steph Daniels, 75, from Bedfordshire, said she gave it up in her 30s as it was "taking over my life".

She picked up her sticks again after seeing an advert for the walking game at Bedford Hockey Club.

She said: "I got dragged into proper hockey as they recognised I could put a few passes together and stop the ball."

Ms Daniels (right) played for Midlands Juniors in the 1960s with her Biggleswade school friends Stephanie Tuffnell (centre) and Pat Hulme

The former principal lecturer at the University of Bedfordshire, who lives in Wootton, used to play for her county.

"I stopped playing at 35 because it was taking over my life. I was teaching, I wanted a bit more of life, I didn't want it to be all about hockey."

On taking up the sport again, she said: "I absolutely love it, I was drawn in and got the bug again."

Women of all ages play for Bedford Hockey Club and are a real "community", Ms Daniels said

She said the game was now "completely different" and was "much more dangerous and hard-hitting".

It not only keeps her active, but she now has a whole host of new friends of all ages.

"It's great to see and hear the energy and banter of the young people again, teenagers and me and everyone in-between, to hear them moan about schools, homework, their life, and they make me laugh.

"I don't know what they get out of me, but I get a lot out of them.

"I now have a wonderful 'bestie', Fi, in her 30s, so it's not just about the hockey any more, it's a wonderful community."

Ms Daniels goes to training every Wednesday evening

She said due to the coaching she had received her game was improving and she attended a trial for the over-70s England team, but unfortunately did not make the cut.

"I'm aiming to come back and try again," she said.

Ms Daniels said the game was "much more dangerous and hard-hitting" than when she played 40 years ago

Kate Costin, the women's club captain, said she was a "true inspiration" and "our Bedford Hockey Club superhero".

"She is playing the game with more passion and dedication than ever," she said.

"Our Ladies' 7s team includes 13-year-olds playing their first senior games, so that's over a 60-year age gap with Steph, but the camaraderie is amazing to see and the team ethos is very supportive and inclusive."

Ms Daniels said it was a "great experience" trying out for the women's over-70s England team

Ms Daniels said: "It shows women in their 70s that they don't have to spend their senior years in a wheelchair, that they can still play hockey. I've proved that they can."