Episode 4 – The Episode That Was Meant To Be 🏑🎙️

In this shorter bonus episode celebrating the volunteers and communities behind the game, our co-hosts Mark and Phil discuss the upcoming FIH Pro League at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre and the volunteer opportunities still available across Hosting, Logistics, Spectator Services and Sports Presentation.

They also look back on a busy few months across the hockey calendar, including the EH Champs Finals Weekend at Lee Valley and the EH Premier Division Finals at Surbiton Hockey Club, sharing personal highlights from medal presentations and memorable moments with teams, officials and fellow Hockey Makers, while also spotlighting the vital work of the Hosting and Accreditation functional areas.

Plus, there’s another update on the road to EuroChamps27 and what happens next for volunteers who have already registered their interest.

A shorter episode perhaps… but one packed with stories, appreciation and everything that reminds us why hockey is so much more than just the game.

Episode 3 of Making It Happen sees our co-hosts take a look back at the Super 6s in Derby — a brilliant reunion for the Hockey Maker family and a reminder of what makes these events so special.

From there, we turn our attention to what’s still to come in the hockey calendar, including a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of Transport and Logistics — the unsung roles that keep everything moving, from people to kit (and yes… even the ice).

We also bring you some hot-off-the-press insights as we start building excitement towards EuroChamps27.

Join us as we celebrate the people, the stories, and the moments behind the scenes — the ones who truly make hockey happen.

In Episode 2 Co-hosts Mark and Phil look ahead to the Super 6s Indoor Championships in Derby, just weeks away, as the Hockey Maker family prepares to reunite once again. Phil catches up with Neil and Vicki from England Hockey’s events team to talk about how Hockey Makers and the Event Assistant volunteers shape events, and the impact they have behind the scenes.

We also introduce a new half-time chat focusing on the value of volunteering — including why it’s worth shouting about on your CV — before heading back into the second half with a spotlight on Spectator Services, one of the biggest and most important functional areas. Plus, we look ahead to volunteering opportunities coming up in 2026.

It’s here — the first ever episode of Making It Happen!
Your co-hosts (and fellow Event Assistants) Mark MacKenzie MBE and Phillip Bootland kick things off by explaining why this podcast exists: to celebrate the incredible Hockey Makers who keep tournaments running, spirits high, and the occasional crisis under control.

In true Hockey Maker style, we dive straight into the action with mini interviews and voices from the field, plus a brilliant chat with new volunteer Alice, who shares her Super 6s debut story from Derby — nerves, excitement, and all the magic that comes with your very first event.

Mark and Phillip also tease what’s coming up in the series and give a cheeky nudge to subscribe, spread the word, and (if you’re a Hockey Maker yourself) maybe join us on a future episode to talk about your own volunteering adventures.

It’s fun, it’s honest, it’s heart-warming — and it’s just the beginning. Enjoy Episode One!