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News for 20 March 2018

All the news for Tuesday 20 March 2018


Batch: There’s No Certainties In Sport

Ben Somerford



The Kookaburras may be ranked number one in the world, the reigning World League Final champions and the hosts of the 2018 Commonwealth Games but coach Colin batch insists a gold medal is definitely not a foregone conclusion.

Australia are the favourites for the men’s hockey title at the upcoming games on the Gold Coast, where the likes of India (ranked sixth), England (seventh) and New Zealand (ninth) are the main contenders.

The Kookaburras have also won every gold medal since hockey was introduced into the Commonwealth Games in 1998.

“Sport is sport. There’s never any certainties in sport,” Batch said.

“There’s some very good teams. We’ve got a proud record in the Commonwealth Games.

“We’re aiming high, there’s no doubt about that, but we need to be diligent along the way and focused on performing well and improving during the tournament.

“That’s what the Kookaburras are about. Hopefully we can perform.

“We’ve got some really experienced players but also some younger players who’ll experience a multi-sport events for the first time.”

Batch embraced Australia’s proud history at the Commonwealth Games but said the Gold Coast event was about the current group.

“It’s not a case of defending the Commonwealth Games gold medal,” he said.

“It’s about preparing to win a tournament and that’s the way we will approach it.

“We’re very mindful of that and taking it one game at a time, like we would any other tournament.”

The final 18-member Kookaburras team was announced on Friday and Batch said selection was very challenging after winning the Azlan Shah Cup, World League Final and Oceania Cup in recent months.

“Every selection is difficult,” he said. “We’ve got a strong squad and we’ve got a number of players who are unlucky not to be selected.

“That’s the way it’s been with the Kookaburras. We are number one in the world, we’ve got a lot of depth within our squad, there’s always some unlucky players who miss out.”

The Kookaburras, who are in Pool A alongside New Zealand (ninth), Canada (11th), South Africa (15th) and Scotland (23rd), will head to the Gold Coast on Wednesday 28 March.

Fans should go to gc2018.com/tickets to be part of the biggest event to happen in Australia in over a decade.

Hockey Australia media release



Hockeyroos Need To ’Write Our Own History’

Ben Somerford



Hockeyroos coach Paul Gaudoin says his side needs to “write our own history” in light of three consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medals.

Australia (world ranking five) will be ranked behind both England (two) and New Zealand (four) at the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, but buoyed by a rich history of success at the tournament.

The Hockeyroos have won four of the five gold medals on offer since hockey was introduced to the Commonwealth Games in 1998.

Many members of the England side tasted gold medal success at the 2016 Rio Olympics with Great Britain, while it was New Zealand who knocked out Australia in the quarter-finals of the same event.

“There’s a proud history of success at the Commonwealth Games,” Gaudoin said.

“We know that, but we also know that means nothing to our group at the moment.

“We need to write our own history.

“We need to go out there and perform and join the group who’ve won medals before, in particular gold medals.”

Despite sitting below England and the Black Sticks in the rankings, Gaudoin was bullish about Australia’s chances.

“They’re obviously ranked above us all but we have had some success against New Zealand recently (winning the 2017 Oceania Cup) so it’s reasonably even with them,” he said.

“We know England or Great Britain are Olympic champions, so we understand where we sit, but we’re also confident we can do the job we want.”

And the Hockeyroos coach embraced the home games, insisting playing on Australian soil was an advantage as opposed to a disadvantage given the pressure that brings.

“I think it’s an advantage,” he said.

“We know where we are. We know the environment. We understand those pressures.

“Once you go into a Commonwealth Games village, things change as well, you can potentially be anywhere in the world. But we’ll have great support.”

He added: “It’s the nature of the beast. It’s a challenge that you like.

“While it’s tough and difficult, that’s why we’re in the position of coaching.

“As athletes you enjoy the contest and the competition, while there’s pressure there we’re looking forward to that challenge.”

The Hockeyroos, who are in Pool B alongside New Zealand (fourth), Scotland (18th), Canada (21st) and Ghana (30th), fly out for Gold Coast on Wednesday 28 March.

Fans should go to gc2018.com/tickets to be part of the biggest event to happen in Australia in over a decade.

Hockey Australia media release



H&W give playoff hopes a lifeline in England


©: David Kissman

Hampstead & Westminster threw their play-off hopes a lifeline with a 3-2 victory over high-flying Beeston in the Men’s Hockey League Premier Division on Saturday.

Previously top of the table until Surbiton’s 5-1 win over East Grinstead on Friday evening, Beeston found themselves two goals down with Matt Guise Brown and Will Calnan scoring for the hosts in the first ten minutes.

Gareth Griffiths halved the deficit for Beeston with a 27th minute field goal, but Rupert Shipperley scored on 54 minutes to give Hampstead back their two-goal cushion. Robbie Gleeson scored for Beeston two minutes later, but they couldn’t catch the London outfit.

Having been knocked off the top of the table the week before, Surbiton retook the lead with a 5-1 win over East Grinstead, Alan Forsyth scoring four times and Luke Taylor once. Ross Stott scored East Grinstead’s only goal.

Reading came out on top in a nail-biting clash with Brooklands MU on Saturday, a goal with two minutes giving them a 5-4 win having been behind at half time.

Goals from Sam Perrin, David Flanagan and Peter Cornell helped Brooklands to a 3-2 lead at half time with Reading’s early goals coming from James Royce and James Carson.

Flanagan added another to put his side 4-2 ahead, but Reading hit back to win with Ed Carson, Lee Morton and Ben Boon scoring in the second half.

The matches between Sevenoaks and Wimbledon, and Holcombe versus Canterbury were both postponed because of the snowy conditions.

Euro Hockey League media release



Kelburne knocked out by Clydesdale in intense penalty shoot-out.



The “Beast of the East” return did not stop Titwood over the weekend as two Scottish Cup quarter-final took place, Kelburne versus Clydesdale and Clydesdale Western versus Wildcats. Regardless the snow and ice, the games still went ahead however conditions were extremely baltic.

It was certainly a cold reception for holders Bromac Kelburne, the favourites were knocked out of the competition by dark horses Clydesdale in a penalty shoot-out as a result of an intense 0-0 game.

The first half was a fairly even affair with the best chance falling to Kelburne`s Jack McKenzie but Clydesdale keeper Gordon Clark was equal to the task.

Not much changed in the second half although Kelburne`s two penalty corners were blocked by Clark in the Clydesdale goal while Andrew Allan preserved the clean sheet with a good save on the line.

The penalty shoot-out went to plan as the score moved on to 7-6 to the home side, then Kelburne`s Adam Bain missed the target to send Clydesdale into the semi-final draw.

In the Scottish women`s cup Milne Craig Clydesdale Western`s third team, bristling with former Scottish international players, finally succumbed to first division Wildcats to bow out of the competition. Lucy Findlay and Emily Cowell were on target for the Wildcats.

Scottish Hockey Union media release



When players become victims of administration issues


Pic: Kirandeep Kaur

KUALA LUMPUR: The National Under-16 hockey tournament is a platform where new talent is supposed to be discovered, while established players impress selectors further.

But this year, an established player was not selected while eighteen boys and eighteen girls from Kedah became victims -- both due to administration issues.

Kirandeep Kaur, has over the years, won many accolades at school, zone and state levels for having the winning touch, as well as being more matured and skillful than her age-group.

At 14, she scored the winning goal in the Under-16 last year. Kuala Lumpur beat Sabah 4-3 thanks to her super fourth goal.

That is not all, national women's chief coach K. Dharmaraj as well as Technical Director Terry Walsh are impressed with her skills and are only waiting for her to grow up before they include her in their plans.

But the 15-year-old became a victim of administration, when it seems there was a mix-up of selection dates, as well as changes in coach and manager -- and she missed the opportunity to play for her state.

In an age where social media groups can inform targeted people where and what time to meet inside seconds, Kuala Lumpur Hockey Association (KLHA) should utilise it to inform parents when and where selections will be done.

KLHA have been utilising social media for some time now, and maybe there was a hiccup this time around. It needs to be looked into.

And then the missed bus story from Kedah Hockey Association (KHA).

Whatever the excuse, KHA failed to do their job well even though the blame was on a bus which broke down, followed by money issues which saw 36 children miss the opportunity of their lives.

They had trained hard and were looking forward to this opportunity to travel to Kuala Lumpur and play at the Natioanl Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

For Kuala Lumpur and Selangor children, its easy to play the the stadium which has hosted many international events including the 2002 World Cup.

But for some kid from Kedah, it might have been his/her only chance to play at the coveted venue as well as a stepping stone to represent the state more often -- be noticed by selectors and represent Malaysia at the Olympics and World Cup in the next decade.

Yes, it all begins at the Under-16 level.

If Sabah, Sarawak, Johor, Kelantan and Terengganu can find the money to travel and house their players in Kuala Lumpur for nine days, there is no excuse for KHA not to be able to provide the same for their players.

If Kedah Hockey Team can find the money to hire six foreign players for their Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) campaign this year, KHA should also have done their sponsorship rounds for children.

But if KHA continue neglecting age-group development, in the end, they will have to hire more Pakistan and other players to form a team.

That will be penny wise pound foolish, or like the Malay proverb 'Kera di hutan disusukan tetapi anak di pangkuan mati kelaparan.'

As for KLHA, they should have a meeting with the affected party to sort out matters, for helping to nurture good players will look good on their development dossier.

Jugjet's World of Field Hockey



PM House finally wakes up to Olympian Mansoor’s misery

Anwar Zuberi

KARACHI: The Prime Minister House in Islamabad finally woke up after an agonising wait of almost three weeks on Monday to announce help for the legendary Olympian goalkeeper Mansoor Ahmed, who is suffering from heart ailment and need financial support for his treatment.

“The PM House sent an SOS to the Sindh government to look after and support the 1994 World Cup gold medallist after the stalwart of yore had repeatedly requested the prime minister and the govt to come to his rescue in various interview to print and electronic media,” sources close to family told Dawn.

It is pertinent to mention that Mansoor opted to go home on March 12 after remaining in the ICU and private ward of a private hospital for a fortnight due to paucity of funds and has been at home since then.

The sources added that the prime minister house had telephoned Sindh CM House and the Governor House, asking them to bear all the expenses of Mansoor’s treatment.

“A representative of the governor house visited Mansoor’s residence on Monday to inform that the custodian will undergo a complete checkup at the NICVD on Tuesday,” the sources added.

Meanwhile, the sources said that Test cricketer Shahid Afridi, in an interview, had assured that he will visit Mansoor’s residence soon after returning to Karachi from Dubai where he was representing Karachi Kings in the PSL.

Dawn



Afridi to bear expenses for hockey great Mansoor’s treatment



KARACHI: Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi announced on Monday that he would pay for the medical treatment of former hockey goalkeeper Mansoor Ahmed.

“Shahid Afridi Foundation will bear all expenses of Mansoor’s treatment and won’t let him down,” Afridi said.

The former hockey goalkeeper has been suffering from a heart ailment for the last month and has been advised by doctors to travel abroad for treatment.

According to information, Ahmed’s heart is functioning at 20 percent. His other organs have also started failing.

The goalie who was admitted in the ICU for 18 days had part of his medical bill paid by the Pakistan Customs (Rs500,000) and the remaining amount (Rs one million) by the Pakistan Hockey Federation.

Earlier during an interview, Ahmed had appealed to the Prime Minister to pay for his treatment.

Ahmed is best remembered for saving the last penalty in the final of the 1994 Hockey World Cup against Netherlands, securing the win for Pakistan.

The Daily Times



Inaugural FIH Event Specialist Programme launched


FIH launched an Event Specialist Programme, recruiting individuals from across the world Photo: FIH

The International Hockey Federation's (FIH) Event Specialist Programme was officially launched last week, with 12 individuals from across the world descending upon Lausanne, Switzerland for two days of workshops between 9-10 March.

Representatives from Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Malaysia, Nigeria, Turkey and Venezuela were selected by the FIH following an application process aimed at identifying up-and-coming talent looking to build upon their previous event management experience.

"Up-skilling these 12 individuals significantly increases our network of specialists across the world who can oversee the delivery of our competitions in the future, whilst also giving them valuable knowledge and professional skills they can use in other areas of their career."
Delf Ness, FIH Interim CEO

The Programme was conceived earlier this year with a view to growing the amount of event-trained members of the FIH family. One of the main aims is that by providing opportunities to become involved in FIH sanctioned events, FIH will build capacity through a skilled workforce consisting of a pool of FIH Event Specialists who can represent FIH at such competitions across the world. The intention is that these event specialists will provide valuable support to Local Organising Committees, acting as a crucial link between the hosts and the FIH Headquarters.

Over the two days of the workshop, the Event Specialists took part in a number of practical sessions aimed at increasing their knowledge across all areas of FIH Event delivery. Some of the topics covered included Event Management, Commercial, TV and Broadcasting, Marketing, Media and Communications, Sport Operations and Development/Legacy.

Speaking about the workshop, FIH Interim CEO Delf Ness said: "This Programme is the first step towards increasing the level of service FIH will provide to National Associations and hosts of our events. Up-skilling these 12 individuals significantly increases our network of specialists across the world who can oversee the delivery of our competitions in the future, whilst also giving them valuable knowledge and professional skills they can use in other areas of their career."

He continued: "This activity aligns perfectly to one of our Four Big Goals of our Hockey Revolution strategy - to increase the degree of professionalism across all areas of the sport. This will contribute to our overall aim of making hockey a global game that inspires future generations."

#LoveHockey

FIH site



Job Opportunity: Contract High Performance Strategist, Women’s National Program



CONTRACT POSITION

Working in collaboration with a variety of partners, Field Hockey Canada (FHC) is the national sport governing body responsible for the development, growth and promotion of field hockey in Canada. FHC receives financial contributions from the federal government and other agencies, organizations, sponsors and donors, and is accountable for the disbursement and reporting of funds according to the contracted terms and conditions.  Programs, activities and services are operated within the limitations established in an annual budget led by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and approved by the Board of Directors.  FHC staff is responsible to manage and administer the finances and provide administrative support for all FHC activity.

Based in Canada, the High Performance Strategist, Women’s National Program (WNP) is a 3-month contract role expected to commence as soon as possible.  Reporting and presenting to the Board through the CEO, the HP Strategist is supported by a Board appointed advisory group consisting of 3-5 individuals with HP expertise.  The High Performance Strategist will be responsible for developing our WNP strategy, including a detailed implementation plan.

Qualifications

  •     A proven track record of developing and implementing high performance sport strategy, preferably in a field hockey environment.
  •     Knowledge of the Canadian sport system, including athlete pathways.
  •     Technical expertise in field hockey is considered an asset.
  •     Ability to work efficiently, constructively, and independently while managing tasks in a responsible and accountable manner.
  •     Excellent communicator, with exceptional written, oral, and interpersonal skills.
  •     Innovative thinker, with a track record for translating strategic thinking into action plans and deliverables.
  •     Willingness to travel to meet with stakeholders as required.
  •     Bilingualism is considered an asset (English/French).

If you have a passion for strategic thinking and high performance activation and believe you possess the appropriate experience and skill set for this important mission, please submit your resume by April 3rd, 2018 to: Jeff Sauvé, CEO (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

Field Hockey Canada is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates.  In addition, Field Hockey Canada is committed to providing accommodation for people with disabilities.  If you require accommodation, we will work with you to meet your needs.

We appreciate your interest; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

View Full Job Description

Field Hockey Canada media release



Fiction for Hockey Lovers: It does exist

Ever wanted to read a novel with hockey players in it? With women who aren’t afraid to get sweaty, and men who drink well and dance badly? With everything represented that is part of your life – like wild hockey parties and dogged team commitment and the fantastic humour and warmth of being part of the hockey family?

Well, now you can because there’s a new novel out soon which has all those things, plus a cracking love story, plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and a few weepy bits too. Add into that a thrilling finale at the Sydney Olympics and you’ve got:

No Number Nine
by FJ Campbell

FJ Campbell says: “I wrote this book because I’ve been playing hockey on and off my whole life and the characters you come across are so funny, loyal and unique – they sprang out of my imagination onto the page and I loved them so much. I was gutted when I finished writing the book – I miss spending time with them!”

About FJ Campbell

FJ Campbell was born in the twentieth century in a seaside town and has moved around a lot, in Britain and Europe. FJ has played for the following clubs: Canterbury, Manchester University, Freiburg University, Wimbledon, Battersea Wanderers, Richmond, Rot-Weiss München and Grasshoppers Zürich. FJ loves reading and sport (but not at the same time) and has visited three Olympic Games (as a fan).

About No Number Nine

No Number Nine is a coming-of-age story about an 18-year-old girl who has put her life on hold for two years after the death of her sister. Pip leaves her home in England and tries to move forward with her life, taking a job in Germany as an au pair to the von Feldsteins, a family which is full of surprises - and not good ones.

Set in Munich, the story follows Pip for a year as she crashes from one embarrassing, awkward mistake to the next. Finally, as she starts to emerge from her fog of grief, she travels with the von Feldsteins to Sydney where, amid the drama of the 2000 Olympic Games, everything that can go wrong, does go wrong. Can Pip protect herself and the people she loves? Does she have the courage to tell the truth, even if it destroys her?

No Number Nine (ISBN 9781789013344) will be on sale:

28.3.18: ebook @ kobo; kindle @ amazon
28.4.18: paperback @ online bookshops with worldwide delivery (e.g. Wordery, Book Depository etc). Pre-order from 28.3.18.

Advance reviews of No Number Nine

"If you want to reminisce about life in your twenties, this book has it all. If you have ever played hockey or been to spectate at an Olympic Games, then this book is definitely one to read. But if you haven't ever touched a hockey stick or have only watched the Olympics from your sofa, then still read it, because this book has themes of travel and adventure, it has emotional highs and lows, plenty of relationship drama, and some fantastic characters who you'll end up wanting to meet. It was hard to put down; I read it and then read it again straight away."

"This book arrived just in time for my holiday and I barely spoke to my husband until I finished it. I thoroughly enjoyed getting lost in a great story line with engaging characters. I played hockey myself (although you don’t need to be a sports player or fan to read this as the story is about far more than that) and, although I could recognise some of the characters in my teammates, I wish I had met some as sexy as the German boys!! A really entertaining read that keeps you turning page after page."

"The instant I started reading this book it had me hooked. A tale of a young woman seeking to find herself after her sister’s death, which leads her on travels and adventures that take her completely out of her comfort zone, with many twists and turns on the way. I read this in 2 days flat and could not put it down.
The characters are developed wonderfully and you live every moment with Pip. The book is easy to read with some proper belly laughs. I would highly recommend it and if you are or have been a hockey player or involved in that field, this is an absolute must!"

Contact FJ Campbell

Website:    www.fjcampbell.net (more bio info, reviews, where to buy)
Email:         This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Twitter:     @fj_campbell
Instagram:     fjcampbell_author
Facebook:     NoNumberNineFJC

#nonumbernine

No Number Nine media release



Vale Don Mecklem

Ben Somerford



Hockey Australia is saddened to learn of the passing of Don Mecklem on Thursday 15 March 2018.

Mecklem, who passed away aged 91, was a former Australian international, who represented the country in hockey at the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne.

The former Queensland half-back also captained Australia during a three-match tour of New Zealand in 1958.

Mecklem was first selected to play for Australia in 1955 against India but the match was cancelled, he subsequently made his international debut at the 1956 Olympics against Belgium.

He represented Queensland nationally and hailed from Valley Hockey Club in Brisbane.

On behalf of the entire hockey community, Hockey Australia offers our sincere condolences to the family of Don Mecklem.

For those who would like to attend the Funeral Service of the late Don Mecklem, please see details below:

Date: Friday 23 March 2018 1pm

Place: Gregson & Weight Chapel, 5 Gregson Place, Caloundra, Queensland

Hockey Australia media release

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