HOCKEY: International players doing their bit to inspire a new generation of players
Nobody can deny 2015 was a record breaking year for hockey in Ireland.
Olympic Qualification secured, along with a European Bronze medal for the senior men, matched with plenty of previously unclaimed scalps for the young women’s squad.
Both teams are already embedded in their 2016 programmes with trips to South Africa and Valencia in the opening weeks of the New Year.
But away from the pitch many of our international stars are equally busy in their roles as ‘Champions’ as part of Hockey Ireland’s grassroots initiatives.
One such programme is the Hockey Skills Challenge; a skills circuit with an opportunity for everyone to earn a Certificate of Hockey Skill. Gold, Silver and Bronze levels ensure anyone, regardless of their hockey ability or knowledge, can undertake the Challenge on any surface.
Megan Frazer said: “It’s great to have a programme It’s that can be undertaken even if a school doesn’t have a previous history of hockey or a hockey pitch.
“The different Gold, Silver and Bronze levels mean that both experienced hockey players or a child completely new to hockey can complete the Challenge.