Holland Hockey 2016
A Year 9 and a Year 10 hockey squad travelled to Valkenburgh, Holland, over the half term break to take part in advanced coaching sessions, matches against local Dutch teams, and a tournament to finish the week. The purpose of the trip is to give the girls exposure to high standards of playing in order to motivate them, provide real challenges, and give them the chance to improve their skills, and also to use the fantastic state of the art facilities on offer in nearby Maastricht.
Both the U14 and U15 squads enjoyed tough games and thoroughly exciting matches against their Dutch opponents, fighting hard throughout. Suffering a heavy defeat in the first fixture, the Year 10 girls’ spirits didn’t suffer, and they were able to fight back in their second fixture to have a closely fought second match. The Year 9 girls won their first match through penalties – it was 6-6 when the final whistle blew – and for many of the squad this experience was the highlight of their trip. Particular mention must go to Lizzie H., Year 9 keeper, for keeping calm under such pressure! The team’s second match was a close encounter too and they narrowly lost 4-3 in what was a real spectacle. Our girls finished joint second place in the final tournament on the Thursday.
Away from the hockey pitch the girls had fun too, meeting Sophie Bray, GB hockey star who is now playing league hockey in Holland. It was really interesting to hear about her experiences at the Rio Olympics and see her gold medal!
After dinner one evening the group was able to sit outside in the dark under outdoor heaters, drinking hot chocolates and enjoying the atmosphere around them. They also spent time at a retro-inspired bowling alley, sampling Dutch pancakes in the local pancake house, and of course an all-important trip to the lovely town of Maastricht, as well as a well earnt Disco to finish the week off in style!
At the end of the week each team awarded a ‘player of the week’ and ‘most improved player’; congratulations to Grace K. and Rosanna B., Year 9, and to Amy T. and Beth W., Year 10, for achieving these accolades.