Andover boy, 8, to play for UK and GB teams at international roller hockey competitions

Michael Drummond from Picket Piece will travel to Barcelona in Spain for the Sparta Cup with the GB team over Easter and then to Michigan in the USA with the UK team in July.

Sparta Cup is the biggest roller hockey tournament in Europe, while the tournament in Michigan is the biggest in the world.

A student of Vigo Primary School, Michael has been a bright spark in the national teams, despite picking up the sport only a few months back.

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Lizzie Drummond, his mum, said Michael took up roller hockey in October last year after a coach spotted him at an ice hockey training.

“Michael picked up rollerblading during the lockdown – we used to go out to the big one-mile park in Picket Twenty,” Lizzie said.

“And then he took up ice hockey about April last year and joined the Solent Junior Devils team in Gosport. He was doing that all the summer and then in October last year, a roller hockey coach asked Michael if he wants to come along and play a game for the Hornets Inline Roller Hockey Club in Gosport. He went on and played the game and then joined the team.”

Young Michael’s skills were soon recognised at a higher level as he was selected to the national teams following a successful trial.

Michael picked up roller hockey only in October last year

He has been travelling up and down the country since last year – having been part of the Hornets team and attending the national training in Sheffield.

“We have been so proud as parents and Michael is really excited to be part of the national team,” said Lizzie, who has won two GB gold medals in gymnastics when she was younger.

Michael’s dad Richard has also played ice hockey at an amateur level.

The parents are now looking to take Michael across the Pacific Ocean to kickstart his sporting career. But it isn’t easy for the family as they are asked to cover the expenses for Michael’s travel.

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“Roller hockey is gaining popularity, but it is still a minority sport. So the funding is limited and we are now raising money to help him get there. The costs are running into the £1,000s,” Lizzie said.

If you would like to support Michael’s family to help him travel for the international events, click here.

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