Old Georgians' latest signing, David Ames, brings a wealth of international experience and leadership to the club.
With over 130 caps for England and Great Britain and having captained Team GB at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Ames is no stranger to performing on the world's biggest stage. He's competed in three Olympic Games and played a crucial role in securing bronze for England at the 2017 EuroHockey Championship.
Now, as both a player and the Head of Junior Boys at OGs, Ames is set to make a significant impact on and off the pitch. His experience and passion for nurturing young talent make him a key figure as the club aims for further success in domestic and European competitions.
We caught up with him to discuss his move to OGs, how he's settling in, and what's ahead for the season.
Q: You've had a fantastic career, playing for top clubs like Beeston, Oranje-Rood, and Holcombe. What made you decide to make the move to Old Georgians this season?
David Ames: The opportunity to enjoy my final few years of club hockey, where I can compete for league titles and potentially be involved again in the EHL, was a big factor. The club's proximity to my home also influenced my decision. I want to be part of an ambitious team that can achieve great things, and Old Georgians definitely ticked those boxes.
Q: How has the transition been for you, both on and off the field? Have you settled in well with the team and at the club?
Ames: I've loved it. It's been a little strange coming to a new club and feeling like you already know everyone, given the number of players I've played with internationally. But I've been made to feel very welcome by the guys and club members. There's a strong support network throughout, which is pleasing to be part of now.
Q: Old Georgians have been incredibly successful in recent years, winning multiple league titles. How does it feel to join such a dominant team, and what are your personal goals for the season ahead?
Ames: For me, it's about continuing to create more success. The squad is arguably built to do something special in Europe, and hopefully, I can add a little bit of what's needed to make that happen. I want to bring my experience to the team and contribute to what is already a very talented group.
Q: As Head of the Junior Boys section at Old Georgians, how important is developing young talent to you, and what can we expect to see from the juniors under your leadership?
Ames: It's still early days, so it's too soon to expect anything. We've had a solid first month, and I've been getting to know the boys and coaches. I'm implementing my coaching style and identifying what's needed to help our juniors improve so they can progress through the ranks, whether at club level or beyond. The development of these boys is something I take pride in, and ultimately, I'd love to see more of our juniors playing for the 1st XI and getting selected for England's junior pathways.
Q: Having played at the highest levels of hockey, what lessons and experiences do you hope to pass on to the younger generation here at Old Georgians?
Ames: A lot of it involves answering questions and discussing what it takes to play at the top level, how to stay there, and what they need to work on technically. Another important aspect is teaching them how to balance hockey with everything else in their lives. Most of all, I want them to enjoy playing. If they love the game, they'll be more willing to improve every time they step onto the pitch.
Q: The Old Georgians community is known for its strong support, from juniors to seniors. How have you found the atmosphere at the club so far, and what are you most excited about in this next chapter of your career?
Ames: I'll be able to tell you after the weekend! We haven't had a home game yet, but I know that OG's always have great support, and I'm really looking forward to experiencing that over the course of the season.
Q: You made your debut for Old Georgians last weekend in a dominant 6-1 win against Bowdon. How did it feel to pull on the OG's shirt for the first time, and what were your thoughts on the team's performance?
Ames: It was great. I haven't played club hockey in this country for nearly seven years, so it was special to be back on the field here. It was also fantastic to be back at Bowdon, though the north brought its usual weather conditions! It was a good start for us—considering we haven't played much together yet, things are still gelling. But to come away with a strong win like that was as good as we could have hoped for.
Q: This weekend, you'll play your first home game against Southgate at Old Georgians. How excited are you to play in front of the home crowd, and what are you expecting from the match?
Ames: I'm really looking forward to it. Southgate have lost a couple of players, but I'm sure they've recruited well. Hopefully, the crowd will see a performance that's worth coming down for, and we'll make sure to showcase how we want to play for the rest of the season.
With his wealth of experience and leadership both on and off the pitch, David Ames is already making his mark at Old Georgians. As the team continues its pursuit of success both domestically and in Europe, his contributions will undoubtedly play a key role in shaping the season ahead. All eyes now turn to his first home game in an OG's shirt, along with Ian Sloan, David Condon, and Phil Roper, who are all making their home debut this weekend against Southgate.