Helen Morgan

Helen Morgan started playing hockey at the age of 13 and soon proved herself to be a talented goalkeeper. Shortly afterwards, she made history as the youngest person to play in the European Club Championship.

Born in Porthcawl, South Wales, Morgan came from a sporting background. Her father was both a fully-qualified football coach and referee, while her mother was an excellent sport shooter. Helen played in the World Cup, European Cup and the Four Nations tournament for Wales, but the highlight of her career was in being a member of the first Great Britain women’s team to win an Olympic hockey medal.

Morgan was the only Welsh member of the 1992 Barcelona Olympic squad, and went to the Games as Britain’s No.1 choice goalkeeper but had to settle for being reserve to Jo Thompson for the three group games, and semi-final against Germany, before being recalled for the medal match, a 4-3 extra-time win over South Korea.

A jewellery maker at time of the Olympics, Morgan played her club hockey with Swansea Ladies, and during her time with them, they won six Welsh national titles. Shortly after the 1992 Olympics, Morgan played in a charity football match. Watching was the Welsh national team coach, who asked Morgan if she would like to join the squad, and so she switched sports. A centre-half, she was appointed team captain, but her career ended following a serious ankle injury in 1993.

After her playing career ended, Morgan obtained her football coaching qualifications, and started a football school. She also went into teaching, and coached Welsh hockey goalkeepers.