Hockey success stories

Craig McKee

“Playing hockey in Australia was the best experience of my life.”

Craig took part in a full season hockey programme in Australia with Sport Lived before studying sport and exercise science at Coventry University. He has since captained Stratford Hockey Club and is currently Head of Hockey & Head of Year 11 at King Henry VIII School in Coventry.

Jen Bryant

“My experience in Australia helped develop coaching skills I still rely on today”

After her A levels, Jen took a gap year to coach hockey in Australia with Sport Lived. She went on to study for a BSc in Sport Science and an MSc in Exercise Physiology at Loughborough University before working with the British Bobsleigh and Skeleton Association. Today she lives in the US and is currently the Winter Sports High Performance Director with the US Olympic & Paralympic Committee.

Vicky Isaac-Hewett

“Playing hockey and living in Melbourne was a fantastic life experience which certainly helped me develop as both a hockey player and a person.”

Vicky started out as footballer, playing in goal for Arsenal Women’s youth team, but transitioned to hockey whilst at school at Haileybury where she went on to captain the First XI Hockey team. During her gap year she chose to play a full hockey season in Melbourne with Sport Lived. She secured her place as the club’s second team goalie and went on to win the league with the team, making some vital saves in the Grand Final. She continued to play while at Loughborough University and then played in the National League for Surbiton. Today, Vicky works as Head of Quantitative Trading Services at Sporting Group.

Peter Sidwell

“I had an amazing time in Australia, playing hockey at a great club and making friends I still speak with regularly today.”

Peter played a full season hockey programme with Sport Lived in Australia during his gap year before studying for a BSc in Psychology at the University of Manchester. He went on to train as a chartered accountant, has worked for PwC and GSK, and has recently joined Haleon. Peter plays national league hockey as goalkeeper for Harborne HC.

Tim Slade

“I made friends for life and grew both on and off the pitch.”

Before taking his degree in Business Management, Tim took a gap year to play hockey with Sport Lived in Australia. Since graduating he has worked at IBM and is now National Account Manager at Vodafone Business. He is still a keen hockey player and coaches at Trojans Hockey Club, Southampton.