Iona Harrison’s Rise From School Dropout To GB Hockey Star

Iona Harrison grew up in Forest Hall, North Tyneside, and quit football during her teens after never making the school side. At age 16, Power Through Sport introduced her to hockey, first the roller‑skating version, and she quickly felt a sense of belonging she had missed on the playing fields. Today the youth worker represents Great Britain at the Ball Hockey World Championship, an achievement she never imagined possible.

Power Through Sport Marks A Decade Of Alternative Sports

The charity, celebrating its 10th anniversary, focuses on giving young people chances to try sports that are often overlooked in the UK. Managing director Johnny Tulip explains that many youngsters label themselves “non‑sporty” because they fall through the cracks of mainstream programmes. The group targets low‑income, under‑served communities across Tyneside, aiming to tackle health inequalities linked to obesity and alcohol misuse. Some participants travel from as far as south Durham and Teesside, with the programme’s reach extending roughly 100 miles.

“These sports often survive on the periphery with very little support or funding,” Tulip notes. He adds that children who feel they have been given few opportunities tend to seize them eagerly, making the impact of the programme especially profound. The organisation’s work demonstrates how niche activities can thrive when paired with community drive.

From Roller‑Skating To International Competition

When she first tried roller‑skating hockey, Iona discovered a community that welcomed her unlike the isolation she felt in school sport. “I found my people in the roller‑skating community, whereas in school I’d be the only one,” she recalled, later adding, “That’s minority sports all over.” She moved on to ball hockey, a variant played with regular shoes and popular across the United States, Canada, and central and eastern Europe. This year’s world championship took place in the Czech city of Ostrava, an event she describes as “insane, a big arena with a screen and crowds.”

“The whole experience was insane, a big arena with a screen and crowds, and even if there was nobody in the crowd to represent my country as a fan, it’s something I thought I’d never do,” Harrison said, reflecting on the rarity of her own representation. The tournament highlighted how a sport once confined to niche circles can now gather large, vibrant audiences.

Coaching The Next Generation

Now a full‑time coach with Power Through Sport, Iona works directly with the young people she once watched from the sidelines. “My confidence has grown ridiculously,” she says, noting that her lived experience helps her connect with participants. She emphasizes the value of persistence: “When you take opportunities instead of giving up, it goes in your favour.” Her role illustrates how a personal turnaround can evolve into a broader community resource. 🌟

Through this blend of personal drive and organisational support, former school dropout Iona Harrison has become a role model for countless children who might otherwise overlook the thrill of team sports. Her journey underscores the power of giving every young person a chance to discover the sport that truly fits them.