KEY FEATURES
The University of Exeter Hockey performance programme is one of the most successful in the UK, providing student-athletes the opportunity to compete at the highest level in the UK, with access to bespoke high performance training facilities. The programme offers:
- Full pre-season training programme for our High Performance Programme squads (1s and 2s) including any athletes shortlisted for a Sports Scholarship who will be expected to attend
- High quality team and individual sports specific coaching with three on pitch training sessions (per squad) every week with the opportunity for 1-2-1 / groups sessions
- 3 x weekly strength and conditioning sessions with UKSCA accredited S&C coaches in the Athlete Development Centre (ADC)
- Video analysis sessions team briefings focusing on team and individual analysis
- Weekly BUCS matches with both men's and women's playing in university National League
- Weekend playing opportunities in the England Hockey League (EHL), with our Women’s 1s who compete in the Vitality Women’s Hockey League Division 1 South as University of Exeter. Our Men’s 1s compete in the Men’s Hockey League Division 1 South and our Men’s 2s compete in the Conference West Division
- Scholarships and Bursaries are available to players competing at a Junior and Senior international level
- Athlete Lifestyle Support (e.g. nutrition, psychology and employability skills)
- Coaching and Umpiring Development opportunities within the club and opportunities to gain qualifications
HEAD OF HOCKEY Harry Jones
Harry has played hockey at the highest level in the UK and Australia, competing in the National Premier League in England and Australia alongside some of the World’s best International players. Hockey has always been a part of Harry’s life with coaching now his passion. Alongside an enthusiasm for the game, Harry enjoys inspiring players of all abilities. He is currently a UKCC Level 3 coach and has worked with elite junior and senior players including, the Wales National Age Groups and is the Senior Men’s Assistant coach for the indoor side. He has coached at two National League clubs, where he had the honour of being the youngest coach to lead a Premier League team in 2013/14 season. Harry joined the University of Exeter in 2014 as a Performance coach, and in 2015/16 he worked with the University of Exeter women’s 1st team who reached the BUCS Championship final, winning a silver medal. Most recently, Harry has coached the Men's first team to BUCS Gold in the 2023/24 season! Harry is supported by a large backroom team, including national pathway coaches with position specific experience.
Email: H.Jones7@exeter.ac.uk
HEAD OF WOMEN'S HOCKEY
Matt Way
Having coached at the University on a part time basis since 2019, Matt became full time Head of Women’s Hockey in 2021. His previous experience has seen him coach players of all ages and abilities, from U10s, to Women’s Vitality England Hockey League, where he currently oversees our Women’s High-Performance Squads.
Matt brings a wealth of experience in the field of talent development, having taken on numerous roles within the England Hockey Player Pathway. He has been the Girls Head Coach at Bristol Performance Centre for the last 5 years, where he has delivered a programme which supported many athletes to be selected for the England National Age Groups.
Matt was accepted onto the inaugural cohort of Advanced Coach Programme (ACP), successfully graduating in 2018. Matt is a passionate coach with a real commitment to helping individuals develop within a team environment. His coaching philosophy can is epitomised by the quote “They won’t care what you know, until they know that you care” Email: M.Way3@exeter.ac.uk
The University of Exeter Sports Scholarships Scheme offers a comprehensive support services package including a programme of support and financial benefits for exceptionally talented student athletes. Scholarships and Bursaries are awarded annually to those who show evidence of competing at national or international level.
- Up to £3,000 financial support for sporting expenses
- A support services package worth up to £3,500 (including S&C, performance analysis, physiotherapy and athlete lifestyle support) as part of the performance programme
- A Sports Scholarship mentor from the performance programme
Scholarship applications are open from 31st October – 31st May each year. Hockey scholarship applications will be considered for prospective students competing at international U21 level.
Application form for 2025 entry can be found here.
Contact: Sport Scholarships sportscholarships@exeter.ac.uk 01392 641313
Facilities
International standard water based astro pitch.
Opened in February 2013 (resurfaced in 2023) and offers players from the University and wider community an opportunity to improve their game. The facility accommodates some of our biggest hockey events including the annual varsity and national league fixtures, is used by the EUHC, the Exeter College academy and other local clubs. It has:
- An adjacent pavilion
- Eight team changing rooms
- Flood lit
- Large spectator viewing platform
- Water cannons to keep it in top condition
Sand based hockey pitch Features a high quality all-weather carpet that is suitable for a variety of different sporting activities in. This facility gives players a variety of places to train and an opportunity to train and compete on different surfaces. Further to this, the club has access to the indoor sports hall for further training on the University campus. Furthermore, the programme benefits from access to the Athlete Development Centre (ADC), a bespoke high performance training facility where tailored strength & conditioning programmes are delivered, along with access for recovery sessions and equipment.
STUDYING AT EXETER
The University of Exeter is renowned for its academic excellence, establishing itself in the top 1% of Universities worldwide (The Times World University Rankings) and placing 19th in The Complete University Guide UK rankings.
The University has four campuses, two in Cornwall with two in Exeter, closely located to the thriving commercial city centre and large St David’s train station. The University currently has around 23,000 students, of which almost 5,000 are international students. In total, the University hosts students from over 130 different countries making for a truly vibrant and inclusive academic community.
MARTHA TAYLOR
Martha made her international debut for England at the 2021-22 FIH Pro League and was called up into the GB Training Squads in February 2022. Martha then had her first GB call-up in December 2022 against Argentina. All this whilst studying Geography and leading the university women’s side to the BUCS Championship Final in the 2022-23 season.
On top of this, she helped the women’s side gain promotion into the England Hockey Vitality Women’s Premier League. Martha is now training full-time with the senior programme based in Bisham Abbey whilst studying part-time at the university. England and GB Women’s Seniors
BA Geography
JESS BUCHANAN
Scotland and GB
