MT13 have teamed up with Repton Hockey Club to develop and deliver a new, unique US Showcase.
The three-day Residential Camp will attract the very best 14 to 17-year-old female players from across the UK and Europe, who want to further their education and hockey in America. You can also claim 10% off with the code THP10 at checkoutand you will need to book by Oct 31 at the latest.
Across the three days they will be assessed by around 20 different US University coaches, from prestigious Ivy League and non-Ivy League Division 1 US Universities
Goals for Ellie and Bronte in last nights Ivy League 🇺🇸 openers!
They will include: Harvard University, Boston University, Ball State, Wake Forest, Syracuse University, University of New Hampshire, University of Louisville, UCONN, University of Maryland, Saint Joseph’s University and The University of Iowa.
Players will also have the opportunity to gain an understanding of what it takes to both study and play sport at the top University level in the US directly from players from Stanford, Harvard, Princeton, Louisville and Iowa.
In the last four years, Martin Jones and Matt Taylor (US Showcase directors) have been involved in the development of over 20 players who have played Division 1 NCAA hockey, the top division in the USA.
US coaches will be able to assess players under conditioned exercises, match play and physical testing. There will also be specific goalkeeper sessions and a post-grad players section. At the end of the Residential Showcase, each player will have access to a high quality showreel with footage from the Residential Showcase combined with footage they have provided. These showreels will also be available for the player to engage with a wide range of US coaches.
This residential camp gives US coaches more time to interact with players (in accordance with NCAA rules) allowing the US coaches to build a more in-depth profile of players, and for players to understand the application process in more detail and playing and studying in the US.
Welcome to ‘The Home’, the new state-of-the-art training facility for coaching company MT13.
The Hockey Paper went to The Home to speak to Matt Taylor about what gave him the passion to coach hockey, which high-profile Olympians he has worked with, and how the company is seeking to have a bigger impact in the coming years, by starting a coach development programme alongside the player sessions.
For a company renowned for its tireless commitment to innovation, Taylor, the former England international, has built a successful coaching company, which includes residential and elite residential camps.
The indoor venue is believed to be the only one of its kind in the UK.
Measuring 40m x 20m and fully laid with artificial turf, it has two goals, two D’s, and equipped with an impressive range of coaching aids including ball machines, heavy hockey skill balls, skill hurdles, goal banners to enhance shooting accuracy, rebound walls and inflatable defenders.
These aids bring fun to the sessions, challenging the players and honing their skills.
The Home is also rigged with a sophisticated camera system allowing for immediate touchscreen analysis. It is ideal for one-to-one coaching sessions which don’t require a full pitch.
This new format enables players to have a bespoke session designed for them focussing on specific areas they wish to develop. These sessions can be shared by up to four players. In addition Small Group Sessions are also available for up to 16 players.
Mikki Roberts announced herself on the world stage as the next gen in penalty corner prowess as the Netherlands women lifted the Junior World Cup title.
Roberts converted a setpiece brace in Santiago as the Dutch rallied from two goals down against Argentina to take the final into a shoot-out, all four normal time goals scored via PCs. Meanwhile, Belgium thrashed England 7-0 to earn bronze.
Zoe Diaz and Valentina Raposo’s goals had put Argentina up by 2-0 in the first half.
Dutch keeper Sophia Ter Kuile showed her calmness as she saved the first two shoot-outs while her team-mates converted all four chances that they got.
“When we went inside the dressing after being 2-0 down, we were still confident that we can win this,” said player of the match Roberts. “Everyone came out strong and gave their best. Probably we all have played one of the best games of our lives.”
Meanwhile, Belgium finished third with a comprehensive win over England, who had already felt the full impact of another European heavyweight in their 8-1 thumping by the Dutch in the semi-final.
Astrid Bonami starred for Belgium with five goals to her name and finished highest goal scorer of the tournament with 11 goals.
“What an amazing team, what an amazing tournament! There are no better feelings than to finish at the podium of a World Cup. We are happy with how we performed as a unit,” said Bonami.
Is there any stopping the Dutch women’s juggernaut as they set out on their quest for an Olympic double? Not if the opening to season 5 of the FIH Pro League is anything to go by.
The Oranje ran through Great Britain women twice in Santiago del Estero by 5-1 and 8-0 scorelines, while they also toppled hosts Argentina 4-1, with the two playing a final match on Monday night.
After GB women drew 0-0 with Argentina on the opening night before losing the shoot-out 2-1, they were dealt a familiar hand with an 8-0 mauling by the Dutch.
Yibbi Jansen underlined her credentials as one of the world’s best players with a hat-trick, which included a PC double, and two from Freeke Moes.
GB women rallied against Argentina on Saturday night, going down 2-1 with Eugenina Trinchinetti scoring the winner.
In their final match, David Ralph’s side went toe-to-toe with the Dutch for long periods as they looked to rally from 2-0 down through Frederique Matla and Sanne Koolen. Izzy Petter levelled early in the last quarter before a Joosje Burg double opened the floodgates.
It could have been more but for another impressive display from Seebie Heesh in GB’s goal.
On the men’s side, GB men finished with a 2-1 defeat to the Dutch on Sunday night, the same scoreline they opened against Argentina last week.
Another tight tussle between the trio of nations saw Joep Troost score at the death. Terrance Pieters had opened the scoring after the break before Sam Ward’s leveller.
Earlier games had seen GB pick up a point before losing 4-1 in a shoot-out to Argentina. Paul Revington’s side had beaten the Netherlands 3-2.
In September Team Bath Buccaneers began an ambitious programme to engage more state school children in hockey.
They have started a community outreach programme and after a period of discussion, started entering local primary schools to deliver hockey during the curriculum or as an after and pre school club.
Having advertised and identified a suitable candidate the services of a part-time coach was gained to carry out this role.
Mother of an under-12 state school pupil who has a passion for sport, Louise Stossich, now delivers eight hours a week curriculum hockey to several schools within the Palladian Trust in Bath.
Louise also takes pre and after school clubs to assist parents with childcare whilst building a relationship with the schools and local community. This project is fully funded throughout year 1 by local philanthropist and CEO of Profin David Medlock.
David is a keen believer in engaging the community and particularly the state sector in hockey and has been a great supporter of Team Bath Buccaneers for many years.
The hockey programme is in its infancy and currently being delivered to year 3 and 4 pupils but already the interest is mounting from other state primary and senior schools with a longer-term view to engage all year groups.
Louise and Director of Hockey at Team Bath Buccaneers, Keith Walters, are hoping that this early year’s engagement will lead to greater participation levels at club and more school and club based games and tournaments with an opportunity for all to see that hockey can be accessible and enjoyed by all regardless of social or economic background.
Walters added: “We are hoping that with the support of David and with the schools quite literally buying into this project, we can expand the small service currently on offer and make a sustainable full time pathway for all to access club hockey as they grow up.
“Already we have seen some young children who would normally not have access to hockey in school joining the club and engaging fully with our Junior Talent Centre programme. This is great to see and be a part of.”
It may have been their first ever appearance at the Asian Continental Cup, but the Singapore Women’s Masters over 40s hockey team emerged the champions, beating the host nation Hong Kong 1-0 to win gold last month.
It was a dream come true for the Singapore team who reached the finals after beating South Korea 2-1 in a shoot-out.
The players are now preparing for the World Cup which will be hosted in Cape Town and Auckland next year.
Captain Ping (Yan-Pheng) Tan, Global Head of EFX Liquidity at Bank of America, said: “This history-making victory moment would not have been possible without our brilliant world-class coach Wayne Blazejczyk and the focus, dedication and sheer determination from everyone in the team who had to juggle career and family commitments to train for the last few months and take time off work and families to compete.
“We knew in our hearts that getting a team together to make our debut appearance in this international tournament was a win, but taking gold is groundbreaking as we look to create more visibility and sponsorship opportunities to support more women and girls to compete in this beautiful team sport – field hockey- where we get to make lasting friendships and deliver results in our lives beyond hockey! Majulah Singapura!”
The team’s 18 players are a diverse range of mid-career professionals who balance high profile, high pressure jobs with competitive international sport. The squad was only formed a few months ago.
Their goal is to encourage more women in to competitive sports, particularly at Masters level, using the build up to the World Cup to elevate the profile of women’s hockey, encouraging greater participation and opportunities in team sports for all women and girls in Singapore.
Research carried out by Sport for Success (The Socio-Economic Benefits of Women Playing Sport 2017) reveals that:
Women who play sport have higher levels of educational qualifications and confidence.
Women aged 16 to 24 who engage in sport at least once a week are significantly more likely to be in a management role than those who do not play any sport.
Women who play regular sport are more motivated to achieve long term goals.
Employers benefit from the increased effectiveness of female staff who are active.
The team raised significant support ahead of its Asian Continental Cup campaign. The sponsors include SGX FX; global derivatives marketplace CME Group; consumer family healthcare company Colief; global insurance specialists Newline Group; financial trading platform 24 Exchange; and the independent global maritime consultancy Solis Marine.
Holcombe’s EDP player has revelled alongside GB Hockey pair Nick Bandurak and Phil Roper, writes Lucas Ball
“The boys are loving it,” says Holcombe’s Tom Russell. And so they should, with Holcombe finishing Phase 1 of the Men’s Premier Division in third place and blasting over 50 goals from their first 11 games.
Holcombe sit three points behind both Old Georgians and Surbiton, their only two defeats to this point coming against Old Georgians and fourth-placed Wimbledon. Barry Middleton’s side are also aiming to qualify for the Euro Hockey League for a second consecutive season, having been knocked out by hosts Real Club de Polo de Barcelona in this year’s KO8.
“Going into this year, we had some high expectations but I think we’ve definitely met those if not exceeded them slightly,” said Russell.
“There’s been a lot of times where I’ve been in the right places and all that but this year it’s just kind of clicked and I’ve been more ruthless in front of goal.
“Whether that’s come with Banders missing a few games and myself and Pendle having to step up to fill his shoes, I’m not sure but then we also saw, in the Nottingham game for example, he scores six, but then I scored two, Pendle scored, Ropes scored – we’re all chipping in.
“Having those kind of players in the team [Bandurak and Roper] is great, the feedback they can give – whether that’s in training, during games, anything like that, it’s invaluable.
“I think I’ve got a pretty good relationship with Banders, he gives me some great feedback whether he’s playing or even if he’s on the sideline watching, he’s always around in the changing room keeping us busy, giving us little pointers.
“I couldn’t have picked two better people to be around in that sense – probably one of the most in-form strikers in world hockey and one of the most skilful and experienced players there is currently in the country.”
Russell has certainly gelled with Holcombe’s attacking unit standing out. “We have a big thing about having a front-five and a back-five and the big aim for us as the front-five is just to have fun.
“The way we set ourselves up is to give ourselves space and I think we’ve got some very technically-gifted players but also some unbelievably quick players in our team so it’s about trying to exploit the space, be free-flowing and stay connected.
“We’ve enjoyed having a bigger crowd and some double-headers with the ladies team, it’s made the atmosphere around the games really enjoyable.
“Once we get past Christmas time, games are going to be a lot closer and a lot more competitive, they’re the kind of games you want to play in.”
Russell added that some of the one-way scorelines didn’t prove beneficial – despite the wealth of goals.
“It’s all well and good beating teams by double figures, scoring a load of goals but you don’t really get all that much out of it,” he said.
“It’s those close games where it’s 2-1 or 1-0 wins that you’ve had to grind out, that’s where you can learn a lot about your team and learn some lessons, even if you come out on the wrong side of them.
“I’m really looking forward to those kind of games coming around the corner.”
Russell also praised the improved social media coverage across the Premier Division this season ahead of a busy winter period for both himself and Holcombe.
He will be involved in a number of Great Britain Elite Development Programme (EDP) events either side of Christmas ahead of an indoor campaign in January, where Holcombe will be aiming to reach Finals Day – which has moved to Derby for this year – for the first time since 2020, when they were beaten in the final.
“We’re seeing clips go up on social media of every goal, on the Saturday night you’re getting all the scores in on Twitter, it makes you feel a lot more involved in everything that’s going on and a lot more connected,” he added.
“They’ve done a lot of good this year in terms of graphics, it’s been excellent.
“I’ve got a few EDP bits coming up either side of Christmas so it’s about staying in that squad and keeping myself busy with that kind of stuff.
“I’m keen to let the games at the weekend do the talking, just keep myself in the hat and let them know I’m there.”
Coach Andreu Enrich has published his second hockey book ’50 tips from intelligent players’. Here he introduces the publication and outlines confidence building
As a hockey player, you constantly confront challenges and opportunities that demand the application of your game intelligence. You must remain aware of your surroundings, collaborate effectively with teammates, foresee your opponents’ actions, create open space, exploit gaps, solve motor problems, and much more. Adaptability to changing conditions and scenarios is key, as is the ability to learn from both mistakes and successes.
It’s important to note that game intelligence isn’t an inherent trait or something you can absorb directly from a book. Rather, it’s an ability that develops through practice, observation, feedback, and reflection.
This dynamic and multifaceted process encompasses cognitive, emotional, social, and motor skills. Intelligence in the game (and not about the game!), in this context, refers to your capacity to perceive and enact effective moves in each situation, in relation to the ball, harmonizing with your teammates while considering the opposition.
These tips draw from my personal journey, beginning as a player and evolving into a coach across various countries and competitive levels. They’re insights I’ve gathered firsthand and observed in the most intelligent players I’ve encountered on the pitch. Take these 50 tips as suggestions that you can adapt to your unique style and circumstances.
Consider this book a toolbox designed to assist you. It’s not a rigid manual or cookbook; rather, it’s a collection of ideas intended to inspire and challenge you.
Each tip is introduced briefly, followed by a practical application in the context of our sport, concluding with the formulation of the tip itself. Some tips are broad, applicable to any position on the field, while others are more specific and relevant to particular roles or game phases.
This isn’t a linear narrative, it’s an arsenal of ideas waiting for your exploration. There’s no set sequence to adhere to. Instead, let your curiosity be your guide. Use these tips as prompts for your personal experiences, testing their practicality for yourself. Ideally, this exploration will lead you to develop your own innovative tips!
I hope that by reading this book, you will not only learn some useful tips, but also discover some new ways of thinking about the game, and about yourself as a player. I wish to help you in the development of your game intelligence and, most importantly, in your capacity to enjoy our beloved sport.
Players jump into Wales goalkeeper
on victory PIC: WorldSportPics
Build your Confidence Level
During the game, nothing is worse than hesitation. Losing confidence and doubting your actions create a breach in the flow of the game, allowing thoughts to intrude and disconnecting you from the present. Why do we fall into this trap?
The reason is our perception of mistakes. For most players, a mistake is seen as a failure, a moment of public exposure and scrutiny that brings the feeling of being guilty. However, mistakes are an inherent part of the game, making it attractive due to its unpredictability and complexity beyond mere sequences of mechanics.
If you feel like your confidence level is inconsistent and fragile, what should you do? Be intelligent and deliberately work on building your confidence level. You will achieve this recovery by managing risks effectively.
If you have lost two balls in a row and feel your confidence diminishing, ensure that your next action does not further punish your level. Even a low-risk and seemingly neutral action, such as receiving and passing the ball back, can begin to change the dynamic and build your confidence again.
Gradually build your confidence by progressively increasing the risks, ensuring that you have some “not bad” actions before taking on greater challenges. Managing successful and unsuccessful actions will keep you engaged in the game.
Another way to build your confidence level is to connect with your teammates through verbal communication. In moments of doubt, you may have the tendency to withdraw and become more silent, preoccupied with your internal thoughts.
Verbal instructions require focus, which shifts your attention outward into the game. By communicating basic instructions (right, left, go, stay, mine, yours, etc.) or providing basic support (well done, come on, etc.) to your teammates, you will return to the flow of the game, a fundamental condition for effective play.
Over time and with experience, you will notice that your confidence level becomes more and more constant. Intelligent players understand that mistakes don’t define certain aspects of their being; they are merely accidental occurrences that fade away quickly. These players are always ready to face the next game challenge with equal readiness. They manage risks not to regain confidence but in line with the requirements of the game. You will reach that point!
Lastly, I want to emphasise the importance of the others in this process, including teammates and coaches. When you notice someone losing confidence during the game (body language never lies!), it is crucial not to start pushing that player after the last mistake but rather reinforcing them after their first good action. After a mistake, it is often best to leave the player alone, as further “exposure” (being the center of attention) can be counterproductive.
If you want to build your confidence level, start by playing conservatively and gradually take more risks. Engage in verbal communication with your teammates. And finally, it would be great if your team can also provide appropriate support to you.
Australia men took the decision to announce their senior squad for 2024 on Wednesday, with the young Kookaburras getting their Junior World Cup under way.
Coach Colin Batch has named a 27-player Kookaburras squad for the upcoming Olympic year, which will take in the FIH Pro League and the Paris Games.
However the timing of the squad release has raised eyebrows, given up and comers competing in Malaysia at the under-21 World Cup might have harboured dreams of being called into the senor squad.
As it was only Victorian Craig Marais, who has 14 senior caps, was announced in the squad.
Meanwhile Batch has stuck with much of the squad named in 2023, with eight players from NSW, seven from Queensland, four from Western Australia, three from Victoria, three from Tasmania, and one each from the NT and ACT.
Eddie Ockenden, with 427 caps to his name, is in contention to become the first Australian hockey player to compete at five summer Olympic Games and equal sixth for most Olympic Games appearances by any Australian.
Queenslander Corey Weyer finds himself back in the Kookaburras squad. Weyer made his debut for the Kookaburras back in 2017 and racked up 43 appearances for the national side between then and 2020.
In-form goalkeeper Ash Thomas has also been named after making his debut for the Kookaburras earlier this year, after being called in to the squad for the FIH Pro League series held in Europe in June.
“Ash (Thomas) comes into the squad after some impressive performances, and as the standout goalie across the past two Hockey One seasons. Following his debut earlier this year, he continues to refine and develop his performance, and therefore joins us full of confidence,” Kookaburras Head Coach, Colin Batch said.
“Corey (Weyer) was a well-deserved selection too following his Hockey One performances this year. Despite not being included in the squad this time last year, he has since regained enthusiasm for hockey and developed his physical capabilities to force his way back in the squad. It’s a great example of self-drive that has been rewarded with another opportunity.
“The selection for the team to head to Paris next year is still very open. Players will need to perform consistently both at training and in matches leading up to the Olympics to secure their position. As we discovered this year, there is a fine line between the Kookaburras Squad and the Tier One National Development Squad members and, if required, we will select from the Tier One squad to find our best team for Paris.”
A second-half strike from Scarlett Spavin was enough to see England women through to the semi-finals of the Junior World Cup in Chile.
Spavin, who plays for Durham University, netted from a 39th minute penalty corner as England set up a last four showdown with the Netherlands. Germany had nine PC chances to England’s five.
Friday’s semi-final will be their fourth in five editions dating back to 2009. The under-21 side have never reach the JWC women’s final.
The Dutch strolled past Spain with the Oranje scoring three times in the opening quarter. They eventually won 4-1 to reach the last four. The Oranje have won three of the past four editions.
The other quarter-finals later on Wednesday will see Japan play Belgium and Argemtina face Australia.
Meanwhile, in the men’s JWC defending champions Argentina claimed their second win of the tournament in Malaysia.
France also clinched their second victory, with the two sides now comfortably sitting atop Pool A and B respectively.
When I was 17, Emma Mitchell kind of adopted me. As a lifestyle advisor she has seen me come through school to someone nearing their thirties. I’ve gone through major changes in life as well as education and she has been beside me to hopefully see that growth.
We are made to think about the next step in life early on. That’s where Emma is so good. She challenges you to think about it and she is very keen on dual aspirations, the #More2Me campaign, always thinking that you aren’t just the hockey player — that it’s not your sole identity — and of course the dark realisation you won’t be able to play hockey forever.
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Rivals Surbiton have stepped up to donate to Buckingham’s Euro Indoor Club Cup fundraiser, telling them: “Go fly the flag for English clubs!”
Buckingham have been forced to set up a crowdfunder after being asked to take England’s place at the European Indoor Club Cup in Turkey in February after Repton pulled out.
The Bucks outfit, champions in 2020, were invited in mid October which lett the club little alternative but to ask for donations in a bid to fundraise £10,000 towards their trip.
The club said: “They will be competing with fully professional European squads – and each of the Buckingham players, all of whom have full time jobs, will be paying for that privilege.
“Unlike the big clubs it competes with, Buckingham can’t afford to pay players. This season, it doesn’t have a club sponsor – so its success is down to excellent coaching and a talented and committed squad, who play for the love of sport, and each other. The nearest they get to financial rewards is a home-made pie at training every time they win.”
Buckingham celebrate PIC: England Hockey
Lottie Porter, whose two goals helped Buckingham to their brilliant title win in 2020, said: “We’re a very small club with no sponsors at the moment, and many of the team just won’t be able to afford to pay for themselves to go.”
To help inspire people to donate, the squad have set themselves the challenge of travelling the 4936 miles to Antalya in the month of December.
The squad will be walking, running or rowing the distance to their European Cup destination in 31 days. Google predicts 34 days; the squad’s challenge is to try and beat this.
