Emerging hockey talent Will Richardson has been selected to umpire at the prestigious National In2Hockey Finals, marking a significant milestone in his rapidly developing officiating career.

Having successfully officiated at the South East regional finals last Sunday, Will received confirmation this week of his appointment to the national stage. The national finals will take place at Old Loughtonians Hockey Club on Friday 15th and Saturday 16th May 2026.

Will’s selection follows his nomination by the South East Umpiring Area and subsequent appointment by England Hockey, who have identified him as one of just 16 promising young umpires chosen to officiate at the event.

Balancing both playing and officiating commitments, Will is an active hockey player for South Saxons Men’s 2nd XI and represents the Sussex County Squad at U18 level. Alongside his playing career, he has already built an impressive officiating portfolio, taking on multiple appointments across Sussex. His next assignment sees him umpire the Sussex U13 Girls’ fixture against Kent & Berkshire on 10th May at Hurstpierpoint.

Will’s progress has been supported by dedicated mentoring, with special recognition going to George Deaves, who played a key role in guiding and assessing him through his Level 1 Umpiring qualification.

Demonstrating skill and composure both with a stick and a whistle, Will Richardson is proving himself to be a standout figure in the next generation of hockey talent, equally capable of influencing the game as a player and as an official. At South Saxons, he is widely regarded as a cornerstone of the club’s future, with a clear trajectory towards first team hockey and leadership roles. His commitment, game intelligence and willingness to contribute both as a player and official mark him out as a key figure in the club’s next generation.