More than 300 of the county’s most promising young hockey players and officials will get the opportunity to experience what it is like to take part in a top international hockey tournament when they participate in the 2010 Futures Cup this week.
The Futures Cup is designed to replicate the professional environment of an international hockey tournament. It represents the culmination of months of development, training, competition and selection as part of England Hockey Board’s long term athlete development strategy, the Single System.
Over the past month, young athletes between the ages of 15 and 18, have been receiving hockey coaching and advice of fitness, nutrition and lifestyle management at 12 Junior Regional Performance Centres across England.
Melissa Bennett, the EHB’s National Manager for the Singles System, explained, “The Futures Cup provides a fantastic opportunity for young players and officials from around the county to come together following the culmination of the Junior Performance Centre Programme over the last few months. The participants will experience a hockey tournament in a performance environment with the focus on implementing the core skills developed over their training sessions.”
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More than 2500 young people took part in the programme which has now been whittled down to 288 talented players who will play for their cluster team at the Futures Cup. Individuals will be part of either Pennine Pumas, Mercia Lynx, Saxon Tigers or Wessex Leopards.
Coaches of the England Hockey U16 and U18 teams will be attending so is the perfect opportunity for the youngsters to showcase their talents. While much of the focus is on the players, it will also be an ideal training ground for the next generation of hockey coaches and team managers.
The Futures Cup will take place at Cannock Hockey Club in Staffordshire from Thursday 28 – Sunday 31 October. Thanks to the support of Man, the EHB is able to offer free entry for all spectators.
More info: www.englandhockey.co.uk/futurescup
Kirsty Page, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
