2 famous heroines of Team GB’s victorious ladies Rio Olympic hockey team will be coaching young Isle of Wight hockey players next weekend.
Kate and Helen Richardson-Walsh, who famously help lead Team GB to a first ever ladies hockey gold medal in the summer Olympics in 2016, will help teach youngsters at Smallbrook Stadium in Ryde on Saturday 22nd July from 10:00 until 12:00 as part of the annual Phil Selby Memorial Day – and any young player can take part.
Also joining Kate and Helen will be former Team GB men’s hockey captain Brett Garrard, and Team GB international Ben Hawes who will also share their skills and coaching tips with youngsters.
Kate Richardson-Walsh is a highly well known and famous player, amassing an incredible 375 caps for England and Team GB, competing in 4 Commonwealth Games and 4 Olympic Games, including Sydney 2000. She is also a former captain of the national side.
Helen Richardson-Walsh has chalked up nearly 300 international appearances, and has also competed in 4 Olympic Games and 4 Commonwealth Games. Earlier this year, she returned from playing professional hockey in Holland.
Brett Garrard has over 250 international caps and a wealth of experience in major international tournaments, while Ben Hawes has over 130 international caps and is the current captain of Premier League side Wimbledon. All players have nearly 1000 international caps between them.
All 4 are part of the Phil Selby Memorial Day, which is held in memory of the former Isle of Wight Hockey Club player who passed away in 2015.
The day will see young people receive coaching and play informal games in the morning session from 10:00 until 12:00, before a friendly senior players tournament takes place in the afternoon from 12:30, with teams competing for a trophy. Anyone interested in taking part in the afternoon session is welcome to attend and join in.
There is no charge to take part on the day, although donations are welcome and all money raised goes to charity. New members, both youngsters and adults, are welcome to attend the day. All juniors must wear shin pads and mouthguards.
Harry Kirby, Chairman of the Isle of Wight Hockey Club, said:
“We are truly honored to welcome such prestigious and well known players from the hockey world.
“For juniors to be coached by such experienced and famous players, all of whom have played in an Olympic Games, is a superb opportunity and one not to be missed. I want to personally thank Helen, Kate, Brett and Ben for taking part.
“I remember watching the Team GB Ladies hockey team win the gold medal against the Netherlands last summer and it was fantastic. All four are a true inspiration and we are looking forward to welcoming them to the Isle of Wight.”
The Isle of Wight Hockey Club is encouraging any one who is interested in playing hockey, from junior to senior level of any ability, to come along and take part Officials from the club will be there during the day to answer any questions and provide information for the forthcoming season and training sessions.
