Veteran Hockey player, Beeston Hockey Clubs’ Sophie ‘Robbo’ Robinson, has hung up the stick following victory in the England Club Championship final, against Guildford Hockey Club.
The 4-2 success, on Monday 1 May, also saw a Robinson goal, her 180th for the club, in an impressive 219 appearances, as the Bees successfully defended the trophy they won last season.
However, for Robinson, the time had arrived for her to bow out of the sport she have loved, and participated in, for so long.
In a lengthy goodbye message, on her socials, the now, former, Bees star, said the following:
“It (Guildford) was my final match for Beeston Ladies First Team, and my final match as a player.
“It’s been one hell of a ride playing this sport! It’s had its highs and lows and memories I will forever cherish.
“My dreams of helping the club be one of the best in England has been reached. I wish I could have got them to Europe, but I have no doubt that this group have the ability and desire to go forward and achieve this without me!
“I’m incredibly proud of what I have achieved over the last 30 years; from Newark Otters & Beavers on a cold Sunday morning with my inspirational coach, Mrs Fergusson, to the big stage of a Commonwealth Games with Wales.”
That Commonwealth Games, as part of the Wales set-up, held last summer in Birmingham, was the last hurrah, apart from the season just finished, for Robinson.
We, at the Nottingham Sport, caught up with Sophie in late 2021, to discuss her going back into the international set-up, after a good spell away. That interview can be read here.
In continuing with her goodbye message, Robinson went on to say that:
“I have even had the pleasure of experiencing playing in one of the best hockey countries in the world, for Schaerwijde in the Netherlands. An experience I will never forget and highly recommend for players to look into.
“I’ve had the privilege of playing for Nottinghamshire County, Midlands Regional, England U16s, GB Youth Olympics, Nottingham Trent University, Buckinghamshire Hockey Club, Belper Hockey Club, Wales, and of course my second home and family, Beeston Hockey Club.
“And with these amazing clubs, made some life-long friends, and even met a fiancé!
“Thank you to everyone who has helped me along the way and pushed me to be the best I can be.
“But there are a handful of people who have really shown their utmost support throughout the years.
“My parents, sister and brother, I can’t thank them enough for all the time spent away travelling up and down the country and investing so much time and money to help me achieve my goals.
“Mrs Fergusson, I have spoken about a lot, but she truly is my hero and inspiration; I wish I could share this moment with her and thank her for what she has done for me and my family.
“Finally, Rosy. Without her support and understanding I wouldn’t have achieved my goals of playing for Wales one last time and playing in the Commonwealth Games; but also my partner in crime off the pitch! I will forever be grateful.”
As for the Bees themselves, it’s been a successful season for the ladies, on-field – indoor promotion, reaching the play-offs, and that last-game-finale for Robinson, successfully defending their England Club Championship.
Keep up-to-date with all things Beeston Hockey via their socials on Facebook here, Twitter here and their website here.
*Article provided by Peter Mann (Senior Correspondent).
*Main image @OfficialBeeHC Welsh international Sophie Robinson was a regular in the Beeston XI.
