Mike Ward: Mr Hampshire Hockey

Mike Ward, a key and hugely respected figure in hockey across the South for very many years has passed away in a Bournemouth hospital, where he was awaiting heart surgery. He was only months away from celebrating his 80th birthday and becoming an Octogenarian.
He held countless voluntary roles for national and county hockey Associations, many as Chairman and was an absolute stalwart of the game for half a century. He had only recent stepped down as Hampshire HA chairman.
A well known figure on club touchlines where he frequently assessed and tutored umpires, Mike was awarded England Hockey’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018 (pictured) as recognition for his phenomenal contribution to hockey in so many ways. 
Upon receiving his award at ad dinner in London, he said he was “taken aback, totally surprised and almost emotional. I had absolutely no idea it was coming. 
“I’m generally not one for awards but feel immensely proud to have been recognised by England Hockey in this way. First and foremost, I’m an administrator and thoroughly enjoy all I do for the game.”
He was a lawyer by profession and that skill was not lost in the way he managed discipline across Hampshire and the South in general, and as such granted him great respect. 
                                                                                      Goalkeeper
Mike pioneered the formation of League hockey in the South of England chairing the South League structure for 49 years until the area restructure carried out by England Hockey for the season 2021/22.   The South league was by far the largest league in the country.
He also chaired Hampshire Hockey association for a similar period including the amalgamation of the Men’s and Ladies associations.
He used to play in goal for Bournemouth on the grass pitches at Kinson and represented Hampshire on occasions. 
After retiring from playing, he moved into umpiring across the South, officiating at least one county cup final.
An avid military historian, Mike also served on the management committee of England Hockey, taking a particular interest in indoor hockey, which was strong in the South. He accompanied the England team on several trips in the 80s.
Fareham chairman Colin Bradbury said: We will remember him as a great servant to Hampshire clubs, in particular; someone who would represent our interests further afield.” 
He was also a willing and entertaining after dinner speaker, singing for his supper at numerous club functions, usually in return for a decent bottle of red wine! 
Bradbury added: “He was a great administrator over many years who is a sad loss from the hockey family.”
There will be a private family cremation and, in due course, a Celebration of Mike’s life to which the hockey family will be welcome. More details later.

Fareham and Isca players observe a minute's silence before last Sunday's West4ern Conference game. Steve Godwin pic.