Grace Mulholland set to make history at inaugural FIH ParaHockey World Cup

Scottish Hockey is celebrating a historic milestone after Grace Mulholland was selected to serve as a Technical Official at the inaugural FIH ParaHockey World Cup, which takes place in Belgium and the Netherlands from 20–24 August 2026.

The appointment marks a significant moment for both Scottish Hockey and the growth of ParaHockey in Scotland, with the official becoming the first Scot to be appointed to an FIH ParaHockey World Cup in an officiating role.

The selection reflects Grace’s years of commitment to developing opportunities within ParaHockey and creating an inclusive environment where everyone can experience and enjoy the sport.

Grace’s journey began at Western Wildcats, where ParaHockey sessions were delivered over four years, providing opportunities for people of all abilities to participate in hockey. While the programme was paused during the pandemic, the passion for creating accessible opportunities within the game remained.

For those involved, ParaHockey represents far more than competition.

It is about creating an environment built on inclusion, enjoyment, friendship, confidence and community. It demonstrates the power of sport to bring people together, build meaningful relationships and ensure that everyone feels welcome and valued.

The appointment comes at an exciting time for the development of ParaHockey in Scotland, with Western Wildcats and Scottish Hockey now working together to expand opportunities for participation across the country, in line with Scottish Hockey’s strategic ambition to make the sport more accessible and inclusive.

The long-term goal is to create more opportunities for people to discover and enjoy ParaHockey, while also building towards the possibility of a Scottish team competing internationally, including at the European Hockey ID Championships in London next year.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, Grace Mulholland said:

“Being selected as a Technical Official at the inaugural ParaHockey World Cup is an incredibly proud and humbling moment.

“I’m particularly proud to be the only Scottish official involved in ParaHockey at this event and to have the opportunity to represent Scotland on the world stage.

“ParaHockey has always been about so much more than the game itself. It’s about inclusion, fun, friendships, confidence and building relationships. Hockey becomes the vehicle for bringing people together.

“To now be part of the first-ever ParaHockey World Cup feels like a very special chapter in that journey. From running sessions at club level in Scotland to standing on the world stage as a Technical Official, it’s a reminder of how far ParaHockey has come and how much potential there is still to unlock.

“I’m incredibly privileged to play a small part in this historic event and to help showcase a form of hockey that has the power to change lives, create opportunities and bring people together.

“I’m proud to represent Scottish Hockey, proud to represent Western Wildcats and incredibly proud to be part of history.”

As the inaugural tournament gets underway, Scottish Hockey celebrates the landmark event that showcases the growth, development and future potential of ParaHockey around the world.

The hope is that this moment will be another important step towards making ParaHockey bigger, more inclusive and accessible for everyone in Scotland.

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