HDF Stories
Check out these great stories from some of our members who have been supported by the Development Fund.
Also check out our latest Livelife magazine for even more stories of our members achievements!
Remember, the Development Fund is open to all our HASSRA members who meet the criteria as outlined in the HASSRA Development Fund Booklet (click the following link for an accessible version of the HDF form).
So why not apply – we’d love to see your stories published here in the future!
Phil kicks his way to success.
Phil Prjanikov tells of his story of sporting success:
The support received from HASSRA was a massive help for both me as a player and my wife Debi as my nominated caddy as we made our way to Florida to represent England at the FootGolf World Cup.
Previous assistance allowed me to attend more competitions in the lead up to the World Cup and this support helped me to qualify for the World Cup squad representing England. I was introduced to FootGolf at a HASSRA event by Andrew ‘Sensei’ McCourt and have been hooked ever since, it’s a hobby/sport that has given me something to focus on after stopping playing football.
With HASSRA’s support I have been able to develop as a FootGolfer from a local HASSRA competition participant to a World Cup player. HASSRA funding has helped massively with this journey.
The best thing is anyone can also share this journey, I am nowhere near one of the best players out there but I strive to keep improving. I love playing the HASSRA competitions as I see new players that may one day enter some tour competitions, play some club league matches and totally get into FootGolf.
Lisa's Hockey success!
Lisa Prince received support from the fund to help her as part of the coaching team with England Women's Masters Hockey. Here's her story:
"I have just returned from the Masters Hockey World Cup held in Auckland, New Zealand, where I was the Lead Coach for the England Women's 50s team.
The tournament schedule was such that we played the following pool games:
Australia – Drew 1-1
Chile – Drew 0-0
Canada – Drew 2-2
Ireland – Drew 1-1
As a result of our matches we just missed out on qualifying for a semi final place by 1 point, but we then played South Africa in the knockout pool stages and won 3-0, with our final game for 5th placing in the World Cup against Ireland which we won convincingly 3-1. So, we finished 5th overall and was one of only a few teams who remained undefeated the whole tournament. 😊
I cannot thank HASSRA enough for the funding to support this trip. England Masters hockey is 100% self funding and the generous £500 was just amazing financial support.
I then came back to work and discovered I had won £100 in November’s HASSRA Lottery – WIN WIN!"
Jane keeps on running.
Jane received help towards her running journey, and has continued to progress:
"I raised £601 funds for the brain tumour charity, and completed the London half marathon race on the 7th April 2024!
It was an amazing experience and I'm now planning my next running achievement".
Lawrence Farnums Cricketing Adventure.
Read how Lawrence played as part of the West Indies squad at the Over 40's World Cup in Pakistan in 2023.
Overall, Lawrence finished at the leading run scorer for west indies with 279 runs at an average of 55 runs per game and 7th overall in the whole tournament, and was voted onto the TEAM OF THE TOURNAMENT.
"It was an amazing experience, something I never dream of doing after being narrowly overlooked at younger age groups. USA ambassador described this event as a 2Nd live and that’s what it actually was for me and all other players, we had dinner with many dignitaries including the Karachi Mayor, Governor General of Pakistan, various ambassadors from representing teams and other officials/events organised by the Cricket Board of Pakistan. Games were competitive, crowds although managed for safety fears were incredible with their relentless passion for cricket. I am so proud of my achievements of representing my nation West Indies, the department and myself, this is an experience I will talk about and embrace for the rest of my cricketing life and beyond. With the success of this tournament and the attention it created globally with all the television and news coverage has now prompted few nations to decide to make this event annually and next year the intended host will be INDIA, I am really looking forward to be selected again and continue my journey in my second life. This also helps to promote healthy lifestyles, well being and fitness to individuals 40 and above and I will use this experience gained to give back to local community and happy to engage with HASSRA should an opportunity come up".
You can read the full story and see more images from this excellent adventure HERE.