MEET THE TRUSTEES
Mike Smith
Chair of Trustees
Mike’s love of hockey began at the age of ten and went on to shape much of his life. After joining Slazenger, he played 33 years with Staines Hockey Club and was part of the first cohort of Hockey Association coaches back in 1971.
Beyond playing, Mike has contributed widely to the sport’s development. He has served as team captain, chaired the Thames International Hockey Festival, and led Staines’ Centenary celebrations in 1990. He was also involved in the marketing committee for the 1986 London World Cup.
Alongside David Wareham, Mike helped establish the National Hockey Museum, now based in Woking. After retiring as Managing Director of Mercian in 2009, he continued to support the game through various roles, including his trusteeship with the Hockey Youth Trust.
Although his playing days have concluded after 45 happy years in club hockey, his commitment to growing the sport for future generations remains as strong as ever.
“Hockey shaped my life. Supporting the next generation is a privilege.”
Graham Burgess | FCMA CGMA
Trustee and Honorary Treasurer
Graham brings both financial expertise and elite playing experience to the Trust. A Chartered Management Accountant, now retired; he ensures the Trust’s funds are managed carefully and responsibly.
On the pitch, Graham played both outdoor and indoor hockey for Guildford Hockey Club during a remarkable period when the club were national champions in both formats. He captained the indoor team and represented Surrey, the South and England Roses indoors.
His long-standing involvement in competitive hockey gives him a deep understanding of how vital it is for juniors to be given the opportunity to be introduced and enjoy this wonderful game of Hockey.
“Strong junior foundations create strong clubs. Investment at grassroots level changes everything.”
David Wareham
Trustee
David has been involved in hockey at almost every level imaginable. A former player with Woking Hockey Club, he went on to become a highly respected umpire, officiating in the London League, and at County and Regional level for more than four decades.
He has served as Honorary Secretary for Middlesex as well as Southern Counties Hockey Umpiring Association, the oldest Umpiring Association in the world. He was part of the organising committee for the 1986 Hockey World Cup in London and served as Secretary to the Hockey Association Technical Committee for 5 years in the 1990’s.
David also played a key role in establishing the National Hockey Museum Project and was a Trustee for 29 years. His contribution to the sport has been recognised with numerous awards for service and dedication.
A passionate supporter of England Hockey, David has attended six Hockey World Cups. His breadth of knowledge and historical insight help guide the Trust’s mission with perspective and care.
“The strength of our sport lies in its volunteers and its young players.”
David Gunn
Trustee
David was introduced to hockey at St. Martin’s Teacher Training College in the mid 1960’s when he volunteered because they were ‘short’ and then became a regular member of the team. They travelled all over Lancashire and had some wonderful teas!
He took up a teaching post in a boys’ Comprehensive School in Luton where hockey had just started as a sport, and under the guidance of a very keen Deputy Head, he taught and coached hockey at the school with some success for 37 years.
As a school side they joined the Middlesex Colts League in 1978 to be able to play more matches. The League then became the Mercian Home Counties Hockey League, and he took over as secretary in 1980. The League grew from 7 clubs in 1977 to 40 clubs comprising U14, U16 and U18 divisions. The winners of the various divisions competed on Finals Day for the Mercian trophies. He was secretary for 35 years until he retired in 2015.
He played lower league hockey, first for Beds Eagles Hockey Club and then became a founder member of the Luton Vagrants Hockey Club. He was at various times Captain, Secretary and Chairman. For some years he umpired until he finally retired in 2017.
“Sport gives young people confidence that carries far beyond the pitch.”