A Nantwich dad has shown England football stars how it’s done – by winning a World Cup Final medal!
Dave Holland, 39, was a key member of the veterans team taking part in the Masters Hockey World Cup 2018 in Barcelona.
And despite searing temperatures, he set up the winning goal as his England team beat hosts Spain 3-2 in a dramatic final.
Dave, who plays for the Crewe Vagrants 1st team, said he will never forget wearing the England shirt and singing the national anthem.
And his team produced a series of stunning displays, beating Sri Lanka 5-0, France 1-0 and Italy 9-1 as well as drawing 2-2 with Spain in the group stages.
They knocked out Germany 3-1 in the quarter final, and beat France 3-1 in the semis to set up a final with Spain.
An exhausted Dave, who works at Bentley Motors in Crewe, said: “I couldn’t believe we had done it!
“It was a great team effort where the fitness of every player in the squad told in the end.
“There was a real camaraderie between the players which I believe played a huge part in the win.
“The whole event was fantastic and superbly organised. The backdrops to the pitches were spectacular and it was just a pleasure to be part of it all.
“To sing the national anthem wearing my England shirt was a very proud moment and something I will never forget.
“I also had my first ice bath which was a bit uncomfortable but definitely welcome after playing in 37+ degree heat!
“It’s difficult to pick a favourite moment, but I would have to say that to provide an assist in the final which turned out to be the winning goal was a great feeling.
“If anything, I hope my achievement will inspire others to never give up on something. It really is never too late.”
Dave, who started playing hockey aged 11 when he was at Brine Leas School, also paid tribute to his wife Lisa, family and friends for their support as he prepared for the World Cup Finals.
“Many of my evenings were spent running as I didn’t want to be the one to let anyone down!” he added.
“On the run up to the tournament we also had three training sessions in Warwick to fine-tune tactics and set plays before we flew out to Barcelona.
“I think Spain was having a bit of a heatwave which wasn’t ideal especially as our schedule of a possible seven games in 10 days was going to be tough.
“I didn’t feel too nervous, more excited and wanting to get on the pitch and play.”
The full report on the World Cup win can be found on the England Hockey website here.
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