Team GB hockey stars pass on their skills to the next generation of Hockey players…

Published by Oakham School on Tuesday 6th of October 2015

Over 150 girls from prep schools across the East Midlands enjoyed a day of elite-level hockey coaching at Oakham School. The coaching session was run by three members of the England & GB Senior Women’s Hockey squads: Ellie Watton, Maddie Hinch and Zoe Shipperley. Maddie brought her brand new European gold medal with her, which she won as part of the winning England Women’s team over the summer at the EuroHockey Championships. This was also a particularly exciting visit for Ellie, who is a former Oakham teacher, having made the transition to playing hockey full time last year. Girls from Brooke Priory School, Copthill School, Highfields School, Spratton Hall, Stoneygate School and Witham Hall, were joined by Oakham’s own U11 hockey players to enjoy an afternoon of expert training and matches. As a goalkeeper, Maddie was able to give specialist advice to the aspiring goalkeepers at the session, coaching them intensively on defensive positions and then challenging them to put what they had learnt into practice. To round off the day, awards were given to the winning team, as well as outstanding individuals who had performed impressively. Trophies and Osaka hockey sticks were presented to pupils by Ellie, Maddie and Zoe, who offered their congratulations and encouragement. All of the girls also had the opportunity to have their t-shirts and hockey sticks signed by the international players. "It was fantastic to see so many girls inspired by the presence of the GB players, as well as having the opportunity to be coached by their idols," said Director of Sport Iain Simpson.