andrew allen

My Career in Roller Hockey  

I was Born on 28th February 1971 and have now dedicated more than four decades to the sport of  roller hockey and Letchworth Roller Hockey Club. 

From humble beginnings, I was one of the  youngest and smallest players at Milton Keynes, where we first started playing Roller hockey.  Catapult forward a few years, and I proudly represented England on the world stage, hooking in my  lifelong passion for the game.  

Early Beginnings  

I first picked up a stick in 1984 at Milton Keynes and found himself as the eighth-choice player —  being the youngest, smallest, and less experienced than all of my teammates. The turning point came unexpectedly: the team’s goalkeeper was ruled ineligible due to his age, and the squad desperately needed a replacement. Coach (Dad) suggested that instead of sitting on the bench, I should play in  goal. It was a baptism of fire, but that decision launched my first team place and the direction of my  playing career.  

Finding My Place  

As anyone who knows me will tell you, I always give 100%, so threw himself into goalkeeping, training relentlessly, and rose through the ranks to the England training squads, where I was number three goalkeeper. Although I never played internationally in that position, the experience shaped my  discipline and drive.  Within two years, I transitioned to the rink as an outfield player, seizing the opportunity to expand my  game. At 18 years old, I earned my first England call up with the Juniors in Belgium in 1989 — a  moment that was the opener into my international career.  

International Career  

Representing England became one of my proudest achievements. I went on to feature in five senior championships across Europe and the world.

The pinnacle came in 2000, when I and the England squad won Gold at the World Group B 

Championship in Buckmore Park, Kent. Not only did this secure promotion to Group A, but it was also made special by playing and winning alongside my brother Nigel. It was the perfect moment to retire from international duty, closing that chapter of my career on a high just as my first daughter was born in 2001.  

Life Beyond Playing  

Though my international career ended in 2000, I never stepped away from the sport. Now aged 54, I remain fiercely competitive and am excited / trepidatious as I am preparing once again to play EC1 after many seasons in EC2. For me though, age is “just a number” — the thrill of competing is  irreplaceable, and I hope I can bring experience and leadership into the game of the younger players  in the squad to learn from, while competing and doing all I can to help them grow and flourish.  

But my legacy extends beyond just playing. I serve as Head Coach of LRHC alongside Nigel, while  also Refereeing and being Chairman. I take enormous pride in coaching the U13 squad, guiding the  next generation and watching young players discover the sport I love.

Looking Forward  

Although coaching, refereeing, mentoring, and playing; my focus is always on the future of this club — building from the grassroots up, nurturing young talent, and ensuring the sport continues to thrive.   I remain as dedicated as ever. For me, roller hockey has been more than just a sport; it has been a  lifelong journey of learning, competition, and community. From stepping in as an emergency goalkeeper, coaching at Eurockey, to standing proudly on the international stage, I have experienced  every facet of the game, made lifelong friends all around the world and I hope that all at our club get  to experience the opportunities I have had.  I think this says it all.    

Andrew Allen

Many hat wearer!

LRHC