The regional award from South East Hockey follows an outstanding season for Richardson, whose rapid development and performances have marked him out as one of the region’s most promising young officials.

As an Area winner, he has now also been shortlisted, as one of three nominees, for the prestigious National Rising Star of the Year Award at the 2026 England Hockey Spirit of Hockey Awards. Everyone at the club wishes Will good luck on the national awards night.

Will said:

“I’m incredibly proud to receive the South East England Rising Star Award from England Hockey. It’s been an amazing journey so far, and I’m really grateful to my coaches, teammates, family and everyone who has supported me along the way. This award motivates me to keep working hard, improving my game and representing my team and region with pride.”

The national awards evening will take place on Saturday 6 June at the Athena in Leicester, where winners from across the country will be celebrated for their contributions to the sport.

The recognition caps a remarkable year for Richardson, who has already earned national appointments including selection to officiate at the National In2Hockey Finals in London. His progress highlights both his dedication to umpiring and his growing reputation within the game.

Widely regarded as part of the future of his club and the wider umpiring pathway, Richardson’s success is a proud moment for everyone connected with him as he prepares to represent the South East on the national stage.

Club Chairman Tobias Reed said

‘I’m extremely proud to see that Will has been recognised for his achievements. This year he won the young member award at our annual dinner for all his hard work on and off the pitch. I personally have seen Will grow into a great hockey player and a fantastic umpire which has now been recognised nationally. It’s great to see that we are inspiring the younger generation in our area to come into hockey as a player and official.'

We are actively going into the community to showcase hockey and our club and have recently been coaching at local primary and secondary schools in the hope we have more 'Wills' out there to come and enjoy this great sport.’

Youngsters interested in trying out hockey are welcome at our Junior training sessions on Tuesday evenings at the Astro turf in Horntye Park Sports Complex, Bohemia Road, Hastings. Ages from 6 years and up.