News for 07 January 2017
All the news for Saturday 7 January 2017
Africa’s best clubs vie for top honours
By BRIAN YONGA
Sliders women's hockey team player Beryl Atieno in action during their training session at the City Park Stadium on January 5, 2017 ahead of the Africa Cup Club championship that begins on January 7, 2017. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Kenya’s Telkom Orange and Sliders’ women’s hockey clubs will be gunning for glory as the Africa Cup of Club Championship gets underway on Saturday at the City Park Stadium, Nairobi.
Ten women’s sides (the highest entry in five years) are taking part in the competition that has also attracted nine men’s teams.
Orange, who have won the title a record eight times, are the reigning champions and favourites. They will, however, face stiff competition from the 2015 finalists Ghana Police as well Ghana Revenue Authority, who finished third in 2015.
Former champions Heartland from Nigeria are also expected to pose a threat while their second team Elrufai will be looking for a good show as they make their debut. Egyptian club Sharkia, who finished fourth last year, are also in the hunt for cup success.
Weatherhead and Wananchi will represent Uganda.
Self-sponsored Sliders will be in Pool A action against Weatherhead in one of the three women’s matches on Saturday.
Sliders are returning to the competition after an eight-year absence. They were champions on their debut in 1999 in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
In 2000, they finished third in Egypt and then missed out on the championship for the next nine years before they reached the final in 2009, losing 2-1 to Telkom Orange in the final played at the City Park Stadium.
Sliders coach Felix Okoth has left nothing to chance, securing the services of Kenya international striker Gilly Okumu from Strathmore, experienced utility back Lorraine Nondi (Amira Sailors) as well the duo of Rhoda Kuira and Rachel Wangui from United States International University-Africa.
TEAM HUNGRY
“We have been in camp for the last 15 days. The team is hungry and fired up to go,” Okoth told Saturday Nation Sport. Sliders know that a win will set them off to a good start in a pool that also has champions Orange, Sharkia and Elrufai.
Okumu is expected to lead the team’s attack with veteran striker Anita Agunda, who was voted the Most Valuable Player at the 2009 edition.
Champions Orange launch their title defence on Sunday against Elrufai. Tickets for the event are retailing at sh200 (regular) and sh1,000 (VIP).
Daily Nation
Local sides Butali Sugar and Kenya Police under pressure
By BRIAN YONGA
Kenya Police's Sammy Ougo (left) dribbles past teammate Sammy Amiani during their training session for the upcoming Africa Cup of Club Championship on December 31, 2016 at City Park Stadium. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Kenya’s men’s hockey teams Butali Sugar Warriors and Kenya Police launch their hunt to win their maiden Africa Cup of Club Championship crown this evening as the continental event gets underway at the City Park Stadium, Nairobi on Saturday.
Butali, bronze medallists in the 2009 edition, face a stern test when they come up against 23-time winners Sharkia from Egypt in Pool B at 5.15pm while Police will be up against Uganda’s Wananchi in a Pool A encounter at 7.30pm.
The duo, who will be under pressure to perform well, will be banking on home advantage to claim opening day wins.
Both sides are returning to the ontinental stage having missed the last two editions.
Kenya Police’s fixture looks friendlier on paper and the law enforcers will be looking to get their campaign up and running with a win against the Ugandan side.
Police have reinforced their squad with George Mutira (Chase Sailors) and Allan Iningu (Sikh Union) to bolster their attack.
The 2011 bronze medallists will also welcome former Kenya keeper James Kayieko, who has been away on official duty. Police coach Kenneth Kaunda ins intent on getting a good start in the competition.
“The first match is usually important and we aim to get the three points so that we can get the pressure off ourselves.
TRICKY AFFAIR
“Our opponents have also been absent from this competition for a while and therefore it will be a tricky affair,’ Kaunda said.
Police will rely on the experience of talismanic striker Moses Cheplaiti, who has featured in this competition before, while young forward Calvins Kanu, who had a good last season, will look to replicate his form on the continental stage.
“It will be my first club championship and I want to make a mark and also help my team go all the way,” he said.
Butali will need to be at their best to get a good result against Sharkia, who alongside rivals champions Eastern Company, are favourites to win the men’s title.
Sharkia beat Butali (formerly Kisumu Simba) in the semi-finals of the 2009 edition played at the City Park Stadium, in the clubs last meeting.
Daily Nation
Hunt for glory begins
Butali, Police and Sliders launch quest for Africa hockey titles
By Elizabeth Mburugu
Chase Sailors George Mutira with the ball as Kenya Police Felix Okoth blocks when they played Men Premier at City Park yesterday, 17/07/2016. Chase Sailors scored 3-2. PHOTO: JENIPHER WACHIE
Butali Sugar Warriors, Kenya Police and Sliders launch their quest for the Africa Cup for Club Championships titles today at City Park Stadium.
Butali and Police have their work cut out as they seek to win their maiden continental gongs as well as win a second for Kenya. Sliders on the other hand will be hoping to grab their second diadem having won a first on their debut in 1999.
Butali face an acid test when they lock horns with Africa’s most decorated club Sharkia of Egypt in their opening group B match. With 23 titles to their name and a Guinness Book of Records sports mark for winning the most titles the North Africans are favourites to carry the day.
Butali formerly known as Kisumu Simba return to the continental scene after seven years absence hoping they will finally get it right.
Playing at City Park will rekindle the memories 2009 when they recorded their best performance ever to finish third behind winners Sharkia and current holders Eastern Company both of Egypt. They drubbed Yobe Desert Rollers of Nigeria 6-0 to settle for bronze on home soil.
The Kenyans will be banking on the services of prolific strikers Zack Aura, Seth Oburu, Emmanuel Simiyu as well as midfielders Frank Wanangwe and Barnabas Odhiambo.
Aura bagged the men’s Most Valuable Player during the 2009 games despite his side inferiority to the Egyptians.
In another men’s encounter of the day, Bank of Ghana’s Exchequers will be seeking a memorable return since their last appearance in Abuja, Nigeria in 2008.
Police who have shied away from the last two editions of the African showdown will begin their campaign against Wananchi of Uganda. The law enforcers will be out for victory against Uganda as they seek to improve on their fourth place finish during the 2013 games held in Kampala, Uganda.
“A winning start is what we are eyeing because it will be a morale booster and will also give my players the confidence in our subsequent matches. We have been away from this championship for two years same us our opponents and we just have to give our all and hopefully the match will go our way,” Kaunda said.
In the women’s contest Sliders who will also be making a comeback to the African extravaganza since the 2-1 loss to Telkom Orange in the 2009 final take on Uganda’s Weatherhead.
In other women’s matches of the day last year’s bronze medalists Ghana Revenue Authority will tackle Uganda’s Wananchi in pool B while Sharkia will take on El-Raufai of Nigeri.
The Standard Online
Hockey Players Eye Success in Africa
By Mbonile Burton
Tanzania Women hockey team left the country yesterday by bus to Nairobi, Kenya ahead of the Africa Cup of Club Championship (ACCC) this weekend.
The long-week tournament that has drawn together men and women's teams from all over the continent is scheduled to commence from January 7 to 15 at City Park Stadium in Nairobi.
The Secretary of Tanzania Hockey Association (THA) Kaushik Doshi told the 'Daily News' from Tanga yesterday that the country will field only the women's team in the event. Doshi said : The current squad is made up youthful players selected from various secondary schools and a very few experienced players.
The team travelled to Nairobi after intensive training under the Italian coach, Valentina Quaranta who is being assisted by Mnonda Magani. The tournament is being organised by Kenya Hockey Union in collaboration with Africa Hockey Federation.
According to Doshi Tanzanian teams in the women's category are El-Sharkia- Egypt, Ghana Revenue, El Raufai babes -Nigeria, Heartland flickers- Nigeria, Orange- Kenya (defending champions), Sliders - Kenya, Wananchi - Uganda and Weatherhead - Uganda Men's teams include El sharkia - Egypt, Eastern Company club - Egypt (defending champions), Exchequers Bank of Ghana, Niger flicker - Nigeria, Butali Warriors - Kenya Police and Wananchi - Uganda and Weatherhead - Uganda.
"By looking at the participating teams, all are said to be strong and experienced, but through our training and regular participation in such tournaments, we can overcome such a challenge by building a strong side," said Doshi.
In retrospect, Tanzanian woman has been called to officiate some of the tournament's matches. Doshi named the umpire as Beatrice Fataki, who of late was undergoing training conducted by coach Quaranta.
Doshi added that the women team is being co-sponsored by Superdoll Trailer Manufacture and Nabaki Africa Co, while in Nairobi, Sikh Temple Nairobi will provide them meals, courtesy of Sikh Temple of Dar.
"THA appreciates and thanks all the parties for their humble gesture towards supporting the ladies hockey team and this sport in general," Doshi said.
AllAfrica.com
Pooling for Championship done
Telkom in Pool A as hockey showdown looms
Orange Telkom celebrate after scoring against Kenyatta University when they played premier ladies at Citypark on 02/07/2016. Orange scored 10-0. PHOTO: JENIPHER WACHIE
Continental hockey queens Telkom Orange will launch their Africa Cup of Club Championships (ACCC) title defence in pool A. The 27th edition of the African hockey extravaganza that has attracted a total of 19 clubs will begin tomorrow at City Park Stadium. Orange will be up against nine other women's teams as they seek to win a ninth Africa's most prestigious gong.
Coincidentally, Orange have drawn local rivals Sliders according to the fixtures released yesterday. Others in the pool are last year's fourth-place finishers Sharkia of Egypt, Weatherhead of Uganda and El-Raufai Babes of Nigeria.
Orange head coach Jos Openda said apart from El-Raufai who they have never played befire, his players know what to expect from other opponents. "It is only the Nigerians (El-Raufai) that we will be meeting for the first time and we just have to wait and see how they play. We have played the others before and we understand their style of play just as much as they do ours," Openda said.
Openda, who has led Orange to eight continental trophies, four of which have been won in a row since 2012, said that they will still try to win without conceding a goal. ''We have always set out to win this trophy without conceding a goal but have always fallen short. Even so, we have not given up on that dream and we will be trying to make it happen in this tournament," he said.
Women's group B has Ghanaian sides Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Ghana Police who will all be attempting to win their maiden trophy. Their main challenge in the pool comes in form of former holders Heartland Flickers of Nigeria. Others are Wananchi Women of Uganda and Tanzania Club.
The Ghanaian Police women will be seeking to improve on their last year's second-place finish. Police lost 2-3 to Orange in a penalty shootout in a finals match played in Lusaka, Zambia. GRA on the other hand will be out to grab the trophy that has eluded them for years as they have often fallen in the semis or finals.
In the men's contest Kenya Police are in group A together with defending champions Eastern Company of Egypt. Ghana's Exchequers who return to the continental after many years of absence. Both Uganda sides Wananchi and Weatherhead complete the group.
Kenya's Butali Sugar Warriors will be up against 23-time champions Sharkia in pool B. Others in the pool are Niger Flickers of Nigeria and Ghana Police.
The Standard Online
International Rohrmax Cup Starts for U.S. Women's National Indoor Team
VIENNA, Austria - January 6, 2017 - At the 2017 International Rohrmax Cup in Vienna, Austria, the U.S. Women's National Indoor Team took to the court seeing familiar opponents, more like teammates. Donning the same USA stamped across their chests, the opening match saw USA Blue face off against USA Red, and although game plans and tactics were similar, USA Blue came out on top 5-0.
In an evenly contested first half, USA goalkeepers Sam Carlino (Blue) (UMass, Kennett Square, Pa.) and Emma Plumb (Red) (Dartmouth, Sag Harbor, N.Y.) both made outstanding saves. Corinne Zanolli (WC Eagles, Newtown Square, Pa.) broke the deadlock in the 12th minute. Intercepting a midfield pass, Zanolli attacked the circle at speed and slipped the ball neatly past the advancing Plumb, giving USA Blue the 1-0 lead.
Carlino pulled off a good save from Sarah Johnson (WC Eagles, Lincoln University, Pa.) and Plumb denied Sammy Popper at the other end, before Popper found the net. A good inter passing move with Abby Pitcairn split the USA Red defense and Popper slid the ball passed the helpless goalkeeper to give the USA Blue a 2-0 halftime lead.
USA Red came out with renewed determination in the second half and only a couple of solid saves from Sidonie LaPlant (WC Eagles, Middletown, Pa.) denied them of a goal. Midway through the second half, Rhian Jones (Duke, Rye, N.Y.) for USA Blue made a good interception and found Zanolli free in the circle with a strong penetrating pass. Zanolli made no mistake with a one-time sweep into the far corner to give USA Blue a 3-0 lead and break the game wide open.
With five minutes to go, USA Red substituted out goalkeeper Samantha Minrath (IFHCK, Louisville, Ky.) to give their team a field player advantage. The patient USA Blue team worked the ball efficiently around the court and scored two open net goals through Mary Beth Barham (Yale, Fairfax, Va.) and Riley Fulmer (Saints, Virginia Beach, Va.) to close out the game with a 5-0 victory.
In the other matches today, the Austrian Champions, SV Arminen, defeated Switzerland's U-21 Team, 4-2, and Austria's U-21 Team beat Rot-Weiss Wettingen, 3-2.
The International Rohrmax Cup continues tomorrow as both U.S. Women's National Indoor Team squads are back in action with two more games each. USA Blue will meet Austria's U-21 Team at 10:00 a.m. local time and SV Arminen at 5:00 p.m. local time. USA Red also plays SV Arminen at 1:00 p.m. local time and Rot-Weiss Wettingen at 4:00 p.m. local time.
Click here to see the full International Rohrmax Cup schedule.
USFHA media release
Cardiff & Met inspired by EHL and Olympic success
Welsh club Cardiff & Met have credited their performances in the Euro Hockey League, along with GB women’s Olympic success, with giving their youth section a major boost.
The club began a youth section in 2014 and has seen a 45% increase in numbers this season, one in which they appeared in the EHL for the second time. In October, they recorded a Welsh club’s first ever win in the competition when they beat Italy’s SG Amsicora.
And the coaching team, led by Ieuan Davies, Sport Wales Youth Coach of the Year finalist, says that these top level experiences are inspiring the club to now field four teams in the South Wales Junior Leagues.
“We are blessed with the high-class facilities at Cardiff Metropolitan University," he said. "So there are no restrictions when we are designing & delivering sessions to allow the players to work hard and take chances in their training sessions.
“We consistently provide encouragement enabling expression without worrying about being shouted at if they fail to complete a skill.
“I believe this has contributed to an increase in membership, ability and will have a positive impact on the quality of player produced through our development pathway.
"Our coaches forge positive relationships with the players, whilst challenging themselves to deliver sessions underpinned by various theoretical concepts, which are studies as part of their degree pathways.”
Euro Hockey League media release
Maybank eye UniKL scalp in last eight of knockout tourney
by Aftar Singh
Tough tackle: UniKL’s Zul Pidaus (left) challenging UiTM-KPT’s Mohamad Rozaini Baharom for the ball during the Malaysian Hockey League match at the KL Hockey Stadium yesterday. UniKL won 2-0. — GLENN GUAN/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Maybank trounced Division One outfit Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM-KPT) 8-1 in the first round of the Tan Sri P. Alagendra Knockout Trophy – and immediately set their sights on revenge against Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL).
UniKL beat the Tigers 1-0 in last year’s first round.
So, get ready for an intriguing quarter-final when Maybank and UniKL clash today.
In yesterday’s first-round match at the Kuala Lumpur Hockey Stadium, Maybank romped home with goals from Hafifihafiz Hanafi (14th, 41st), Mohd Syafiq Mohd Zin (43th, 56th), Muhd Firdaus Fauzi (12th), Jang Soon-chan (29th), Nam Hyun-woo (47th) and Mohd Zulhairi Hashim (48th). UPM replied through Mohd Ashraf Zulry Mahat (35th).
Maybank team manager Omar Sharafuddin Abdullah has one simple message for his men: “Beat UniKL”.
“It will be tough as UniKL are a good side. It will be 50-50 ... but I have faith in my players.
“I believe they will rise to the occasion and help us reach the semi-finals,” said Omar.
UniKL coach A. Arulselvaraj, whose team ousted Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM-KPT) 2-0 at the same venue yesterday, knows they will have a fight on their hands today.
“They (Maybank) are strong in midfield ... it will be tough, but not impossible.
“They have their full complement of foreign players while we only have two. I believe we can beat them,” said Arulselvaraj.
UniKL got their goals through Muhammad Aleem Bilal (32nd) and Ignacio Santiago Sallas (50th).
Over at the Tun Razak Hockey Stadium, the start of the Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC)-Tenaga Nasional first-round match was delayed by an hour due to a power outage.
When the match finally got under way, KLHC had to stage a dramatic fightback from two goals down to edge last year’s losing finalists Tenaga 3-2.
Tenaga went 2-0 up courtesy of goals by Mohd Ramadan Rosli (eighth minute) and Azril Misron (35th).
KLHC then struck through Haziq Samsul (43rd), Klein Schmidt (50th) and Anton Paul Fitz (54th).
In another match at the same venue, double champions Terengganu’s coach Sarjit Singh was far from impressed despite his team outplaying Division One outfit TNB-Thunderbolt 7-3.
“We played an average game and conceded two soft penalty corners goals. We need to play much better in the quarter-finals (against Division One side Politeknik-KPT) tomorrow,” said Sarjit.
Terengganu scored through South Korean Jang Jong-hyun (18th, 25th and 35th), Faizal Saari (48th and 59th), Ismail Abu (second) and Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin Tengku Abdul Jalil (sixth).
Thunderbolt replied through Muhammad Hazim (11th), Muhammad Idris Samad (21st) and defender Muhammad Arif Syafie (47th).
The Star of Malaysia
Probables announced for National Senior Hockey Camp
Pakistan Hockey Federation has announced the names of 74 trainees for the National Senior camp starting at the Abdul Sattar Edhi Hockey Stadium, Karachi from January 12.
The list includes a number of players named for the first time for the National Senior Camp.
They have been picked on the basis of performance at the recently held National Championships in Lahore.
LIST OF PROBABLES
GOALKEEPERS:
1. Imran Butt - PIA
2. Amjad Ali - SSGC
3. Mazhar Abbas - NBP
4. Ali Raza - NBP
5. Muneeb-ur-Rehman - SSGC
6. Hafiz Umair Ali - SNGPL
7. Ali Haider - PIA
8. Waleed Akhtar - Bannu
DEFENDERS:
1. Asad Aziz - Navy
2. M. Aleem Bilal - WAPDA
3. Muhammad Irfan - PIA
4. Nawaz Ishfaq - SSGC
5. Qazi Asfand - WAPDA
6. Rashid Mahmood - Navy
7. Tasawar Abbas - WAPDA
8. Faisal Qadir - NBP
9. Fareed Ahmad - WAPDA
10. Toseeq Arshad - NBP
11. M. Rizwan Jr. - SSGC
12. Taimoor Malik - PIA
13. Zohaib Ashraf - WAPDA
14. M. Atif Mushtaq - NBP
15. Hassan Anwar - WAPDA
16. Mubasshir Ali - NBP
17. Zahid Ullah - PAF
18. Abu Bakar Mahmood - NBP
19. Faizan - NBP
20. M. Junaid Kamal - NBP
21. M. Usman - Railways
22. Tazeem-ul-Hassan - Railways
23. Muhammad Adnan - SSGC
24. Ammad Shakeel Butt - NBP
25. Kashif Ali - PIA
26. Sohail Manzoor - Punjab
27. Amir Sultan - Navy
28. Zubair - Army
29. Rehan Ashraf - KPK
FORWARDS:
1. M. Irfan Junior - WAPDA
2. Fayyaz Yaqoob - Sargodha
3. M. Umar Bhutta - WAPDA
4. Arslan Qadir - NBP
5. Ali Shan - SSGC
6. Ijaz Ahmad - WAPDA
7. M. Rizwan Senior - Army
8. Rana M. Umair - WAPDA
9. Abdul Haseem Khan - Karachi
10. Hafiz Hussnain - HEC
11. Faisal Rashid - Sheikhupura
12. Adeel - HEC
13. Karim Khan - PTV
14. M. Zubair - PIA
15. Shafqat Rasool - PIA
16. Sharjeel - Police
17. Nohaiz Zahid Malik - Sialkot
18. Yasir Dilawar - PQA
19. Nadeem - Rawalpindi
20. Ajmal Butt - Railway
21. Shan Irshad - NBP
22. M. Azfar Yaqoob - NBP
23. Muhammad Dilber - NBP
24. Muhammad Atiq - NBP
25. M. Bilal Qadir - NBP
26. Mohsin Sabir - Navy
27. Rana Suhail Riaz - SSGC
28. Sami Ullah - PAF
29. Muhammad Rizwan - SSGC
30. Muhammad Naveed - NBP
31. Fahad Ullah Khan - PAF
32. Umar Hamdi - WAPDA
33. Awais-ur-Rehman - PIA
34. Sabir - Navy
35. Abdul Jabbar - SNGPL
36. Zeeshan Ashraf HEC
37. Awais - Army
OFFICIALS:
Hanif Khan (Camp Commandant/Manager), Lt Col (retd) Mohsin (Assistant Manager),
Khawaja Junaid (Head Coach), Ahmed Alam (Coach), Nadeem Lodhi (Video Analyst)
PHF Media release
Global Projects 2016: Pan-America
Find out about some of Pan America's most inspiring hockey projects from 2016 Photo: Haiti Hockey Federation
As part of our series looking at some of the standout Global hockey Projects from 2016, we look at some projects in the Pan-American region that have the potential to inspire others in 2017...
Nations with no pitches and limited resources are always going to struggle to compete on an international stage, but as two of these stories prove, a little support can go a long way.
In it for the long haul
Hockey has been developing at pace in the Central American nation of Guatemala, driven on by the Guatemalan Hockey Association President Pablo Reyes and his enthusiastic team.
It has been a tough slog as the President explains: “We started our journey 10 years ago but in the first five years, there weren't many balls and sticks – in fact no-one sells them in Guatemala – few places to play, few teams to play. To keep the interest of the people was not easy.”
A simple but effective strategy was used. First they got the 15-25 year-old men playing, many of whom were physical education teachers. These players introduced the sport into schools and clubs and began to target the 10-14 year olds. Eventually, sisters, friends and relatives also began to take an interest in playing the game.
There are now 250 registered players and many more who play informally. The pace of change increased last year when the Association won the Pablo Negre Trophy, an annual award given by the FIH to a national association which has either worked hard to develop hockey in the country or has shown outstanding dedication to embracing the spirit of the sport.
In the case of Guatemala, both criteria have been met and the result is a brand new pitch from FIH Global Supplier Polytan, while Musco Lighting will provide a lighting system at a designated location within Guatemala within the next few months.
A delighted Reyes said: ‘The award is fundamental for us because it means we can take our hockey to the next level. The dedicated pitch will help to develop hockey in all Central America. Guatemala will be the principal beneficiary, of course, but we want to share this award with our neighbours.”
No boundaries in Chile
When you are 14 years old, have been bullied at your previous school and spend most of your time in a wheelchair, then learning a new sport is a big undertaking. But Micaela Sarzosa has done just that.
The Chilean schoolgirl was born with Imperfect Osteogenesis, a disease that has a severe impact upon a sufferer’s mobility.
Micaela explains: “I was born with this disease which means my bones break easily. I have used a wheelchair all of my life, but I am now beginning to learn how to stand-up and walk.”
Rather than let the disease beat her, Micaela is determined to do all she can to lead a normal and healthy life, which means incorporating exercise into her daily activities.
“At first, I was going to participate in the Swimming Academy at my new school, but hockey is part of the curriculum and my teacher invited me to take part. I had never played before, but my friends were playing and the sport attracted me.”
Micaela’s family were not keen for her to take part in hockey at first; they feared that she might get injured or feel uncomfortable and excluded as she was the only player in a wheelchair. But the plucky schoolgirl was determined to have a go and now she is a regular at the team practices.
“I have been feeling really well since I took up hockey, and now my family are happy for me to play, they can see how much good it does physically and for my mind and mood as well. I would like to show others in my situation that this is possible. I have been integrated into hockey at my school and further integration in other sports is also possible.”
Hockey sticks not guns in Haiti
Hockey thrives in the most unexpected places. After an earthquake hit the Caribbean island of Haiti in 2010, the communities around the epicentre in Leogane – just 25 kilometres from the capital Port-au-Prince – were devastated. Apart from the dreadful loss of life, homes, schools and other buildings were destroyed in the catastrophic natural disaster.
Despite this, in 2013 the Haitian Hockey Federation was formed and, by 2016, more than 4,560 players regularly compete. An achievement made even bigger when you consider the island has no official hockey pitch.
“We strategically use basketball courts and the facilities used by other sports to train,” explains President of the Haitian Hockey Federation (HHF), Aubens Henker Fermine.
For the HHF hockey has become much more than purely a sport. “The people living here are in a bad situation. As a sports federation, it is not just the sport you are developing but you are dealing with all social and economic problems. Just three years after the earthquake, 1,200 children from shanty towns and slum areas were playing hockey. Right now these children have a stick in their hands rather than a gun. Through hockey we give them an alternative to alcohol, drugs and prostitution.”
Fermine and Secretary General of HHF Boby Jhonny Baptiste also contacted other organisations for support. "We realised we didn’t have enough resources, financial or equipment, so we knew we had to work with other countries and the Pan-American Hockey Federation (PAHF).”
The Dominican Republic and the PAHF answered the call and began to provide much needed resources to the HFF. The involvement of the Dominican Republic is in itself an additional bonus as it has created a good relationship between the two nations, where historically there has been political and social conflict.
For more information about hockey in the Pan American region, visit the Pan American Hockey Association website by clicking here.
FIH site
Scottish Midland Youth Player Pathway Programme
Midland Player Pathway
The Midland Youth Player Pathway Programme is moving for strength-to-strength and is self-sustainable as it moves into 2017, when an U15 event programme will be introduced.
In November 2015 Midland District was awarded £8,384 by Awards for All Scotland to deliver a new youth programme designed to provide local junior hockey players with a clear player pathway in terms of competition, and assist with building stronger local clubs. The programme provides the players with one event each month delivered at venues across the district with the events delivered by a number of local clubs. The programme planning group consisted of at least one representative from each of the ten clubs engaging with the programme, and this group identified U10, U12 and U14 as key age groups to focus on and outlined player development rather than results as the key focus behind the events.
The programme has now been running for one year and has been a huge success to date. Over 1900 attendances have been registered across the 12 events with an average of 38 coaches / umpires attending. The programme has allowed local clubs to structure their junior sessions around the events and has provided a focus not only for the players, but for coaches and parents as well. Since November 2015 junior membership within the clubs involved in the programme has increased by 37%.
Feedback on the programme has been very positive from everyone involved:
“This programme has provided the area with a clear and structured player pathway through the delivery of consistent competition. The youth programme has not only provided clubs with an opportunity to attract new players but also increase their engagement with parents and other local club members.”
“Participating in the Midland Youth Programme has provided us with regular non-competitive hockey in a friendly atmosphere. The programme enables the parents of our youth members to assist with the organisation of our youth section. Long may this programme continue, as the standard of play to date has been very high.”
The programme is now self-sustainable and will continue into 2017 with an U15 event programme being added to ensure a clear pathway into the senior teams of local clubs.
For further information on the programme contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Forward Ajit brings succour to family with HIL money
NEW DELHI: Indian junior hockey team forward Ajit Kumar Pandey, who was picked by defending champions Jaypee Punjab Warriors for the forthcoming Hockey India League (HIL), said on Friday that the showpiece event provided him an opportunity to help his family financially.
For 21-year-old Pandey, whose father works as a driver, playing in the HIL is not just an opportunity to rub shoulders with the best in the hockey world but it has also helped him build a house for his family at Karampur, a village in Ghazipur district of Uttar Pradesh.
"Until now we didn't have a house of our own. I come from a poor family and have five sisters and one brother. I am the youngest of them. Growing up, I have seen my family struggle financially but now with the HIL money, I know I can help my family live a comfortable life," Pandey said in a statement.
"No one in my family ever expected that I would be able to earn so much money through hockey, but it's a reality today and everyone at home is very excited for me," added the India forward who scored a swashbuckling goal against Canada in the pool matches at Junior World Cup in Lucknow.
Pandey is eager to make most of this experience and said he had waited for this opportunity for long.
"I made my debut for the Indian junior team in 2016 and my first India camp was in 2014. I was really hoping to get a chance to play in the HIL and now that I have received that opportunity, I would really like to make the most of it and justify my worth."
For the Punjab franchise, Ajit will be part of the forward line alongside veteran S.V. Sunil, Jacob Whetton, Nithin Thimmaiah, Satbir Singh, Jasjit Singh Kular and junior India teammate Armaan Qureshi.
"As a forward, I follow Jacob and Sunil bhai a lot. I feel this is the right opportunity for me to learn from them and implement in my own game," Pandey said.
The HIL starts from January 21.
The Times of India
Hockey player raises over £30k for charity
Ben Edwards with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Brett Garrard
Ben Edwards, England U16 Girls Assistant Coach took on a challenge for 2016 which was to raise as much money for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity by running a minimum of two miles a day. He has managed to raise over £30,000 and counting to help fight cancer. Ben shares his story with us.
"In July 2015 we found out that our friend Greg had got a tumour in his abdomen. This was devastating news. A close friend hit by this disease and you can't do anything to help. Several complications meant that they didn't have the recovery they were hoping for.
Upon finding out that Greg's cancer was terminal it made me think that I wanted to take on a challenge, not only to raise money to find a cure for this horrendous illness but also to make Greg proud of me. He was an inspiration to me throughout his illness. His bravery and courage have been incredible but I am very proud to have known a person who has displayed such a strong character throughout this tough time. He inspired me to be a better person by the strength he showed and I want to keep running to bring awareness to people about this disease.
I always feel Greg's presence by my side when I run and I wanted to give something back to him. Hopefully in time, other people will be spared the pain and suffering that Greg has had to go through. Sadly on Sunday 7th February, Greg lost his fight to this horrible disease.
Greg was only 41 years old and has left a beautiful wife and daughter behind. I was keen to do a challenge in his memory and have done just that. I have raised over £31,350 for the charity and finished running on 31st December 2016.”
Ben is touched by how much support he has had for this challenge. Great Britain gold medallists Giselle Ansley and Georgie Twigg, Chelsea players John Terry, Asmir Begovic and Gary Cahill and Chelsea legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink all joined him. So did local side Surbiton Ladies 1st XI and many, many more.
Ben Edwards Run Surbiton
Ben’s highlight of the year was on June 8th. To mark his friend’s birthday, people all over the world joined together to run, walk and show their support for Ben. He even had two people doing a Skype run from New Zealand and England.
“It meant a huge amount to have the support of so many people from within the hockey family. At times the hockey family is very small in terms of you know everyone but at other times it seems so big in terms of people there to support you. At a conservative count I ran with people from over 25 clubs, internationals from 6 countries, as well as two of the most capped players of all time in Barry Middleton and Brett Gerard.
“The hockey family are amazing in their support and the messages I received through the year kept me going. At dark times these messages as well as remembering why I was doing this were so important. At low points there was always someone offering to run.
“For the last run on New Year’s Eve I had over 200 people turn up to run, many of whom were members of the hockey family.”
Ben is determined to raise as much money as possible for the charity and is touched that people have been so generous already. He has raised £31,350 to date is keen that the figure continues to rise. He ran 1018 miles through the year and had more than 525 people donate. If anyone would like to donate, you can do so through the just giving page.
Ben would like to thank all of the hockey family for their continued support and all at England Hockey would like to extend their congratulations to Ben on his fantastic effort!
England Hockey Board Media release
HC asks trial court to hear afresh plea against Sardar Singh
NEW DELHI: The Delhi high court confirmed the interim order granting stay on the criminal proceedings against former Indian hockey team captain Sardar Singh, who is facing allegation of sexual harassment made by his estranged girlfriend, and asked a trial court to consider afresh the plea of the woman.
In her plea before trial court, the woman, an ex-British player, had sought direction to the police to lodge an FIR in the case. The trial court had allowed her plea after which Singh had approached the high court.
Justice Vipin Sanghi, who had earlier granted an interim stay, said that the lower court would hear afresh her matter and pass a fresh order.
The high court, which has disposed of Singh's plea, has fixed the matter for proceedings before the trial court on February 2.
On October 14, the high court had granted interim stay on the proceedings before the trial court till Friday.
It had also issued notice to the former under-19 British hockey player and Delhi Police seeking their stand on Singh's plea.
Singh, who is facing allegations of sexual harassment, exploitation, mental, physical and emotional torture made by his estranged girlfriend, had submitted before the high court that the trial court did not give him a chance to be heard and no notice was issued before passing the order.
The woman had approached the trial court alleging that the police did not take action on her complaint against Singh.
The allegations levelled against Singh by the woman also includes charges of attempt to murder, causing miscarriage without consent and criminal intimidation.
In her complaint, she has alleged that the hockey player had established physical relation on the false promise of marriage and was also involved with other women.
She has also alleged that Singh would beat her up, and refused to accept responsibility after she conceived and pressurised the complainant to undergo an abortion.
Singh had earlier denied all the allegations levelled against him by the British hockey player of Indian origin.
The woman had alleged that she met the captain during the 2012 London Olympics for the first time and later entered into a physical relationship.
The Times of India