A man from Penarth is gearing up to represent Wales at this year's World Masters Hockey World Cup in Cape Town, South Africa.  

Mark Harris, 48, is a senior barman at Penarth Yacht Club and also a member of Wales Over 45s Masters Hockey Team. After more than 35 years of playing the sport, he has qualified to play his first World Cup tournament which starts on October 1 and finishes on October 10. 

Mr Harris has played hockey since he was nine years old and grew up watching his dad play the sport before naturally taking it up himself. "I played for Wales at the Under 15, Under 16, Under 18 and Under 21s," he says. "We missed qualifying for the World Cup when I was Under 21s. After that, I didn't stop playing but I didn't go any further internationally." 

When he went to trial for the Over 40s Masters team in 2016, Mr Harris was selected to play a Home Nations tournament in Glasgow representing Wales. "I got to play for Wales again the following year as well in Northern Ireland," he says.  

Mr Harris is also a member of a local team and tries to play as often as possible. "I'm still registered to play hockey at Penarth Hockey Club," he says. "I don't get to play that often because I work on a Saturday and it's difficult, especially when you work in hospitality." 

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr Harris was chosen as a member of the final squad to play the World Cup in South Africa. But restrictions have meant the tournament has been postponed for two years. "I've waited quite a long time for this," he says.  

"I missed out on playing the World Cup when I was younger, so it's a huge opportunity for me to do something I love and there's no better feeling than representing your country." 

There are 18 members of the squad flying to Cape Town and the end of September, two days before the World Cup starts. "We now have enough players to go to Cape Town; flights are also booked, but it's not cheap," says Mr Harris. 

The squad will be flying to Cape Town, South Africa two days before the World Cup starts. (Image credit: Mark Harris)

Over two weeks ago, Mr Harris decided to set up a GoFundMe page to help cover the costs of travel and accommodation. At the time of writing this article, the page raised £490 of its £2,250 target. "I was quite apprehensive with it [the GoFundMe page] at first because a lot of people set up pages for charities and people who need medical treatment," he says. 

"I've asked myself, 'am I really justified to do this?' I spoke to my mum and my wife and they've both said it's a good thing for me to do.  

"We [the team] don't get any funding because it's an amateur sport, not even from Hockey Wales. Everything is self-funded." 

Because of the expenses that come with playing at the Hockey Masters World Cup, Mr Harris' wife will not be able to join him in South Africa. "I'd love to take my wife with me, but the cost is just too much," he says. 

"She's been so supportive throughout everything and has said that this is a chance of a lifetime for me to represent my country in a World Cup." 

Mr Harris also acknowledges the cost of living crisis and how times are challenging for people to part with money. "I understand people may look at this and think, 'why should I donate if it's not going to a charity?' and I completely understand that," he says. 

"But it's what people can afford; every little bit helps and it all adds up. I really appreciate anything that's given." 

So, how is Mr Harris feeling about playing at his first World Cup tournament? "I'm feeling both nervous and excited," he says. "For me, it's the biggest stage I'll ever get on. With a World Cup or European tournament, you'll get an official cap so I'll be presented with a cap when I go. 

"Of course, it would be amazing to win. But regardless of scores, to say that I've represented Wales in a World Cup is a massive thing for me." 

View the GoFundMe page and donate here. 

For businesses that are interested in sponsoring the team, you can contact Mr Harris through the GoFundMe page.