GB Special Olympics gold medallist Ellen Greenall is hoping to inspire others to get into hockey through a programme that gave her the opportunity to try the sport for the first time.

Nineteen-year-old Ellen, from Tunbridge Wells, enjoyed a memorable summer with the GB Hockey ID (Intellectual Disability) squad, winning gold at the Special Olympics in Berlin and finishing second at the European Hockey Championships.

Her dad, Chris Greenall explained: “Ellen has had such an incredible summer. To have had the experience of travelling to Berlin and being part of the Special Olympics and then the Euro Champs in Germany has benefited her in so many ways - her development over the last 12 months has been incredible, really.

“Ellen started playing at Tunbridge Wells Flyerz club around six or seven years ago and the difference it has made to her is so clear to see.

“She goes with her sister Rosie and it is such an inclusive environment - that’s really important.

“Ellen is a lot happier and a more confident human being and the social skills she has developed from playing hockey in a team are a big part of that. She used to be happy to just be in her room, watching TV or doing independent sports like climbing or cycling. The team environment has been a huge boost!

“She is much more driven and independent as well. I can’t speak more highly of the set-up at the club and all the work the volunteers do and the support that Ellen has had from England Hockey.”

Running since 2015, the Flyerz programme is a disability-inclusive approach to hockey which enables disabled and non-disabled players to play together, allowing the whole families to join in and be physically active.

Chris also mentioned the positive impact on the Greenall family.

He said: “Ellen’s hockey has been a big commitment for us a family, but it’s so rewarding for all of us.

“Most importantly, she’s been able to take some of the skills she learned through playing hockey and apply them to other areas of her life. If she can use these to help her be more independent as she gets older that would be incredible.

“There were over 50,000 people at the opening ceremony and I don’t think we were prepared for the size and scale of it. The team just gelled really well out there and they’ve all become good friends. There is a real family spirit around the whole set-up - the team and the coaches.

“I have got a great dad and daughter relationship with Ellen. We are both outdoors people and I’ve always been into my sport. I hope she continues to thrive and enjoy playing hockey and we’ve all got one eye on the next Special Olympics in Australia.”

There are more than 50 Flyerz programmes running across the country, including at Tunbridge Wells and Herne Bay. You can find your local Flyerz club at englandhockey.co.uk