The 2021 Girls’ Under 11 A hockey season got off to a flying start on 10 September with a masterclass at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London, led by Haileybury School’s Director of Hockey and former USA International, Mr Rob Schilling. The girls practised techniques and drills and soaked up the atmosphere of the prestigious surroundings of the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre in the Olympic Park, which was host to the 2018 Women’s Hockey World Cup. Mr Schilling, ably assisted by six of Haileybury’s 1st XI players, helped the girls work on slap hits, v-drags and passes, as well as focusing on specific goal-keeping drills. The Under 11 team took part in a mini tournament with matches 14 minutes each way. All the normal hockey rules applied except a thrilling one-to-one with the goalie for 8 seconds replaced penalty corners.
St John’s girls’ hockey coach, Miss Emma Owens, explained, “This was such a great opportunity for the girls to get back into a hockey mindset and learn from other school girls who have played a good level of hockey. We had girls trying new positions such as goalie and others who were so willing to move around the pitch during the matches.”
The Under 11 team stayed on after the masterclass to watch Haileybury’s 1st XI girls’ team take on their St Edwards, Oxford counterparts in an exciting game. Miss Owens remarked, "This was inspirational viewing for the girls and they commented eagerly on how fast-paced the play was. It was so encouraging to hear them say how they would love to play like the girls they were watching. The Under 11 A team played really well as a team and passed the ball around well. They took on board the coaching points and put them into practice. It was an absolute pleasure to take this group of girls to The Olympic Park and we are all very much looking forward to seeing what the girls can do this season.