Captain proud to lead West Midlands Police to national success
4 July 2025
The captain of West Midlands Police Ladies Hockey Team says she was proud to lead the side to victory in a national cup competition.
The West Midlands Police team beat the Met 6-1 in the final after a narrow 3-2 victory against Merseyside in the last four.
They had earlier come through a pool stage featuring Police Scotland, Kent, Northumbria and the Met.
Team captain PC Sade Gerald said: “I’m very proud of the team. The last time we won it was when we hosted it back in 2019. We lost last year on penalty flicks in the final, so it’s been a long time coming. Part of me felt relieved, I think it’s the pressure of being captain.
“It was a really good standard of competition. We had a mix, from national league players to grass roots players, and some who are relatively new to the sport.”
Sade joined West Midlands Police eight years ago and has been captain of the hockey team for the past five years.
An attacker, she represents Stourport Hockey Club in the national leagues and has been playing for 19 years having played at school.
Sade said playing in the tournament was a great way to relax away from the job.
“The teamwork, the camaraderie, and building contacts is great,” she explained.
“But my team talk was about us not forgetting why we’re there. It’s one thing that we all look forward to. We get special leave and it’s all about us having fun and trying to relax.
Awards
“We’re all from different areas of the Force, we all see horrible things every day but it’s the one weekend we all look forward to where we can enjoy ourselves – and that’s the main thing.
“We’re a good laugh. Everyone gets on really well. And you if you spoke to any of the other teams, I’m pretty sure they’ll say we’re the ones that are the party freaks.”
The tournament was held in Chelmsford and organised by Essex Police.
It was attended by women’s hockey lead Temporary Assistant Commissioner Rachel Williams of the Met and by Essex Assistant Chief Constable Lucy Morris.
They presented awards, which were funded by the tournament sponsors National Police Healthcare Scheme.
Sade was full of praise for the organisers.
“The host teams always make such a big effort when it comes to hosting,” she said. “Thankfully, this year the weather also turned up, which always sets out well for a good tournament. There was a lot of sun lotion used.
Supportive
“There were some really high-ranking officers there as well. They made a big effort and were really supportive, which was great.”
The tournament was also attended by Baloo, a retired Essex Police dog, and her handler Mandy Chapman, a retired handler from the Met.
The pair were awarded The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award this year at Crufts in recognition of their outstanding work in supporting police officers and the wider community.
“We got a team photo with Baloo, which made everyone happy,” Sade said.
Now Sade is encouraging West Midlands Police Federation members to get involved with the Force ladies hockey section which was founded in 1959.
“We’re always looking for new players to come and join us,” she said. “It’s a great way to relax and to make new friends.”
Contact Sade for more information about the ladies’ hockey team.
