First Woman on the Ice: Who Was She?
Althea Casper
2025-05-24 06:30:17
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Val Robinson, who has died aged 80, was an attack-minded, wonderfully skilful and quick English hockey player, who first garnered praise from Matt Busby for her football skills before becoming the first woman to earn 100 international hockey caps and twice winning the BBC’s Superstars programme. Thought to be the first working-class hockey player to be selected for her country, Robinson made a then record 149 appearances for England as well as winning 21 caps for Great Britain. Renowned for her trademark dummy, right-hand dodge, and ability to pass opposition players – “whooshing like an Intercity 125”, as one observer put it – the Lancastrian was an international for more than 20 years, scoring 46 goals. She made her England debut in 1963 while she was studying at Chelsea College of Physical Education.
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