The next generation of hockey stars got the chance to meet Olympic gold-medallist Helen Richardson-Walsh as part of Crostyx Hockey Club’s open-day in East London just over a week ago.

Richardson-Walsh, who netted the decisive penalty to secure Team GB’s women their first ever gold medal in Hockey at the Rio Olympics, took part in a question and answer session, offered coaching tips and handed out awards at the event, in a bid to inspire more children to take up the sport.

The open day formed a part of England Hockey’s ‘Your World Cup’ campaign ahead of the Vitality Women’s World Cup in London this summer, with a range of activities like coaching from Crostyx Hockey Club and a 3D skill session on offer at the event.

With the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre on the Olympic Park playing host to the Women’s World Cup in July, Richardson-Walsh is hopeful that more clubs will host interactive open days in the future to motivate younger people to play the sport.

She said: “Coming home with a gold medal was incredible. Now, it’s fantastic to see how the national team’s successes are translating into clubs such as Crostyx, supported by England Hockey, growing the next generation of hockey players and benefiting the grassroots of our sport.”

Charlie Farrow, England Hockey’s East London activation project manager, added: “Since London hosted the 2012 London Olympic Games, we have seen a big increase in the number of people watching and playing hockey. The Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup being held in East London this summer provides the opportunity to build on the success.”