Since Annette and Allan formed the Great Britain Supporters Club in 1993, it has raised almost £30,000 for the national teams at all levels.  This season alone the members, who currently number over 400, raised £5,000 to pay for a training camp for the national senior team prior to the World Championships in Hungary.

The husband-and-wife pair are helped by a five-strong committee and GBSC has representatives at most British clubs.  Funds are raised by the sale of merchandise, raffles and special events organised during the championships.

But the support is not only financial.  The GBSC is the world's only fan club for a national team and its members are renowned for their fanatical support of their country wherever they go.  There must be many games over the past decade that Britain have won thanks to the constant chanting of "GB, GB" as the British fans out-number the rest of the spectators.

With the team fighting to win promotion to the elite level, many of the countries visited have been in the less well-known parts of Eastern Europe.  Wherever Britain goes, the fans follow, enjoying facilities as good or better than their heroes, thanks to Allan and Annette's superb organising abilities. 

There are always plenty of sightseeing trips and fun days and members are encouraged to experience the cultures of the different countries.

The idea for a GB Supporters Club came during Britain's triumphant promotion run in 1993.  Annette and Allan took 25 fans to Eindhoven, Netherlands only to discover that others had paid over the odds for their trip while some had come independently. This produced the impetus for a recognised supporters' club.

The British Ice Hockey Association, the then governing body, were contacted, and they gave their permission for the creation of an official club.The GBSC was launched later that year at the Olympic Qualifying competition in Sheffield.

Compiled with research, provided

 by Stewart Roberts – 2005.