GB Masterclass for Girls ahead of Holland Hockey Tour

Published on isbi School News dated Monday 16th of October 2017

On Thursday 28th September Bishop’s Stortford College’s top girls’ hockey players spent the day at Bisham Abbey National Training Centre in Berkshire. Training with Great Britain's Men’s Hockey squad and learning from their international level coaches was fantastic preparation for the girls before they depart on a Hockey tour to Holland over half-term. The girls picked up invaluable tactics during their training session; College 1st XI goalkeeper, Lizzy, received one on one coaching from England and GB goalkeeper, Harry Gibson while the whole team picked up new skills from Barry Middleton, Captain, with 379 GB caps and FIH all-star legend who focussed on the importance of passing, communication and never giving up. Players Harry Martin and Adam Dixon demonstrated techniques used to eliminate defenders and to get a shot on goal early. This highly useful session culminated in 3 v 3 games, where the girls had the opportunity to take on the international players. Following the training session, the College girls watched the Women’s GB Olympic Gold Medal squad in training, learning from the players’ skill, speed and determination. Head of Girls’ Hockey, Nicholas Prowse said, “All the girls loved their time with both GB squads, learning some very important skills and mind-sets to add to their game”. Performance Hockey Coach, Kaye Goulding added, “It was a fantastic opportunity for our elite Girls' Hockey team to train with the Men's GB squad and excellent timing ahead of their Holland hockey tour”.