Recognising that the future of South African hockey lies in the nationwide talent-base at school level, former and current, professional players and coaches will be travelling to Pretoria, Ballito, Potchefstroom and Stellenbosch for the remainder of the year to share their knowledge and skills with developing players as part of the Investec Hockey Academy\u2019s high-performance courses.<\/p>\n
While there is still much growth to be achieved in the sport in SA, many local icons are hoping that by sharing their expertise with school players, they can create a solid foundation for further individual growth in future players, to become more competitive on an international level.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need to develop hockey from a grass-roots level by recreating the requirements and conditions of a senior training programme, into various programmes of all ages,\u201d says SA Women\u2019s Hockey player, Shelley Russell.<\/p>\n
\u201cI truly believe that our current national players and coaches have the capacity to change the future of women\u2019s hockey by laying a foundation for others to follow,\u201d says Sheldon Rostron, SA Women\u2019s Hockey Coach.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe hope to make the sports code of hockey attractive to potential young players; broadening the talent pool, making hockey more competitive, and raising the standard in South Africa,\u201d says SA Women\u2019s Hockey player, Quanita Bobbs.<\/p>\n
Driven by a passion for the sport, the Investec Hockey Academy\u2019s coaches also include SA Women\u2019s Hockey players Sulette Damons, Ilse Davids, Erin Hunter, Kara Botes, Stephanie Baxter, and Nicolene Terblanche, as well as FIH Umpire Michelle Joubert, sports scientist Maryke Eloff, and renowned sports physiotherapist Ruan Fourie. Together they will be providing theoretical knowledge, skills training and an understanding of what it takes \u201cbehind-the-scenes\u201d to succeed in sport.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe focus on the holistic development of hockey players, so not only on the tactical and technical aspects of the game but we also a vested focus on the development of mental toughness and sport wellbeing. This five-aspect approach makes this Academy unique and invaluable,\u201d says former SA Women\u2019s Hockey player Louise de Jager.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe teach them nutrition, skills and tactics as well as other leadership skills\u00a0and qualities one needs in top sports and international hockey,\u201d says Rostron.<\/p>\n
According to the Investec Hockey Academy\u2019s coaches, school coaches are integral to the future growth and standard of the future of SA hockey.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe would like to see more in-depth education of the coaches as they will have a quicker and greater impact on the players throughout the country, especially at a junior level, as this is where good habits are implemented and can be sustainable,\u201d says former national coach Lindsey Wright.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to help coaches better their understanding of how to develop all five aspects involved in sport performance. At these courses they get to interact with some of the best coaches in the country to develop their knowledge of the game and coaching aspects,\u201d says de Jager.<\/p>\n
Offering courses for players aged 8 to 18 and coaches of all levels, the Investec Hockey Academy will take place at St Mary\u2019s School in Pretoria on 22 and 23 September, Ashton College in Ballito on 6 and 7 October, the North-West University in Potchefstroom on 13 and 14 October, and Bloemhof School in Stellenbosch on 19 and 20 October.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe youth coming through have potential and it is our job to guide processes that will ensure their success. We thrive on\u00a0the idea that we will leave a greater legacy,\u201d says Rostron.<\/p>\n