Reading's Helen Richardson, the GB Hockey Athlete of the Year, Leicester's Crista Cullen and Reading goalkeeper Beth Storry have been recognised for an excellent year.

They helped England to first-ever medals at the Champions Trophy in Nottingham and the World Cup in Argentina before winning their third bronze medals of the year at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

Their coach Danny Kerry, who has masterminded the team's ascent to fifth in the world, was recognised as one of two outstanding coaches alongside Argentina's World Cup and Champions Trophy-winning coach Carlos Retegui.

The outstanding performances of England's men were also recognised following fourth place at the World Cup - their best finish since 1986 - and a silver medal at the Champions Trophy.

Captain Barry Middleton, East Grinstead midfielder Ashley Jackson, the World Player of the Year for 2009, and Cannock goalkeeper James Fair have all been named in the men's 2010 All Star team.

The teams, which feature a total of 36 players and four coaches who have lit up the hockey world with their achievements over the past 12 months, were compiled using the recommendations and opinions of hockey experts from across the globe including players, officials, coaches and journalists.

Just over a year and a half before they hope to represent Great Britain at the Olympic Games in London, the seven All Stars signify the largest English contingent in a single year since the FIH began its listing five years ago.

For Cullen, it is an exciting return to the All Stars after recognition in 2006 and 2007 while Richardson appears for the second consecutive year.



Storry (pictured), who was named goalkeeper of the tournament at the Champions Trophy and the World Cup, caps a memorable year that has seen her to stake a claim as arguably the best goalkeeper in the world.

Middleton's appearance for a third consecutive year illustrates the high regard in which the 26-year-old from Doncaster is held across world hockey.

For Jackson, 2010 marks a second consecutive year as an All Star, while it is Fair's first appearance.

David Faulkner, performance director, said it was "deserved recognition for the year that both the senior men's and women's teams have had".

England's men are currently preparing for a first ever appearance at the FIH Indoor World Cup, which takes place in Poznan, Poland, from February 8-13.