“We’re Hungry, Determined, and Getting Better Every Day,” Says Britain’s Coach Steele Ahead of Páňa Cup

On the road to the 2026 World Championship in Ostrava, the British national ball hockey team faces a key test at the Páňa Cup in Kladno. Head coach Scott Steele is banking on unity and hunger for success as the driving force behind his team’s fast, disciplined style of play.

“For us, it’s the perfect preparation for the 2026 World Championship in Ostrava”

What made you accept the invitation to this year’s Páňa Cup?

We saw the Páňa Cup as a fantastic opportunity to test ourselves against strong international opponents in a high-level environment. It’s a tournament known for its intensity, quality, and excellent organization. For us, it’s the perfect preparation for the World Championship in Ostrava in 2026.

What do you expect from the tournament and what is your goal?

We expect tough games and a high pace throughout. Our goal is to proudly represent Great Britain, show the progress we’ve made, and build team chemistry. Results are, of course, important, but we’re also focused on development and on learning from every single game we play.

Which opponent do you see as the biggest challenge?

There are several strong teams at this year’s edition, but we know that the biggest test will come from the Czech sides. They play with great speed and precision, which will really push us. We expect them to challenge every part of our game – and that’s exactly what we need at this stage.

“We want to play fast, organized, and disciplined ball hockey”

What style of play do you want to bring to the tournament?

We want to play fast, organized, and disciplined ball hockey. Our aim is to be a tough opponent to play against, with strong defensive responsibility and quick transitions to offense. We also emphasize communication and unity on the floor.

What do you see as your team’s biggest strength?

Our unity. This team has worked incredibly hard in recent months, and the players are fully aligned with our vision. We may not have as much experience as some of the other teams, but we’re hungry, determined, and getting better every day.

How important is participation in the Páňa Cup in the context of preparing for the World Championship in Ostrava, which is less than a year away?

It’s absolutely vital. Playing in a high-caliber international tournament like the Páňa Cup gives us a real sense of where we are and what we need to improve. It also helps our players gain confidence and experience, which will be essential in Ostrava. It’s at tournaments like this where we grow the most – not only tactically, but also mentally as a team.