Leeds Student to Represent GB at U18 Ball Hockey World Championships
March 20, 2026Local athlete Oscar Davis prepares for international competition
Oscar Davis, a student at Leeds College of Building, is set to represent Great Britain at the upcoming U18 Ball Hockey World Championships. This will be his second time competing internationally in the sport, which is a variant of ice hockey played off-ice in trainers rather than skates.
About Ball Hockey and Oscar’s Journey
Ball hockey shares many characteristics with ice hockey, including its physical nature and team spirit. Despite the change in playing surface and footwear, players experience strong physical clashes, fostering a close-knit team environment. Oscar, who plays as a top goal scorer for the Leeds Rams ball hockey club, describes the camaraderie as intense, with teammates supporting each other during tough moments on the rink.
Oscar’s involvement in hockey began relatively recently. He attended his first ice hockey game as a spectator in 2020 and started playing soon after. An injury ended his ice hockey career, leading him to trial with the Leeds Rams ball hockey club, where he has played ever since.
International Experience and Aspirations
Last year, Oscar competed in the Junior World Championships held in Czechia. There, he faced teams featuring elite prospects from the National Hockey League (NHL) in America. He noted the significant differences in resources, with other teams having larger budgets and more advanced equipment compared to the smaller scale of ball hockey in the UK.
For the 2026 U18 & U16 World Junior Men’s Ball Hockey Championships, scheduled to take place in Slovakia in July, Oscar and the Great Britain team aim to improve their performance. Their goal is to win a game or come close to doing so, reflecting the competitive spirit of the team.
Support and Funding
As there is no formal funding for the tournament, Oscar’s father has established a GoFundMe campaign to help cover equipment and travel expenses. Leeds College of Building is also supporting Oscar by sponsoring his kit and sticks. The college has provided additional support, with tutors assisting him in balancing his studies and sporting commitments.
Oscar credits his tutors for their help, particularly mentioning his tutor Luke Story, who praised Oscar as a hardworking and model student with outstanding practical skills. The college has also promoted Oscar’s fundraising efforts to aid his preparation for the championships.
Sporting Background and Role Models
Oscar’s sporting interests began at a young age, initially focusing on football before moving to rugby. He has cited Leeds Rhinos winger Ryan Hall as one of his sporting icons from his rugby days. In ice hockey, he admired Leeds Knights player Harry Gulliver, with whom he remains in contact for advice and support.
