Waltham Forest Hockey Club hosted the first Flyerz Club Day last month, bringing together disabled hockey players from across the country.

Forest Flyerz, the disability section of Waltham Forest Hockey Club, organised the event at Walthamstow Academy on March 30, with Stevenage Flyerz, Phoenix Flyerz and Yeovil, as well as another local group all attending.

There were a total of 49 hockey players from the five teams, with 15 Great Britain players coming along to put on a masterclass for the players.

In the morning, the players were put through their paces by the GB stars, who put on a number of coaching drills.

After lunch, GB players were assigned to teams and joined in small-sided games, split into two tiers to allow everyone to play at their own ability.

Speaking after, event organiser Pani Theodorou said: "Everyone’s got a huge smile on their face - this is what it’s all about! I saw on the pitch today the kind of joy that you only get from sport - players doing something they love alongside their friends and team-mates.

Theodorou continued: "And thanks to a small group of clubs and volunteers around the country who are working hard to grow the Flyerz family, players who normally wouldn’t get the chance to play and compete, now can.

"For us volunteers, the sense of pride and joy is immense. I would urge any club to set up a Flyerz section, if for no other reason than because it’s so much fun!"

The next event on the Flyerz calendar is Flyerz Festival on Saturday 21 June 2014, an international tournament for players with learning disabilities.

Forest Flyerz hope to welcome 20 teams to the event, and even more GB players.