News for 25 February 2018
All the news for Sunday 25 February 2018
Vantage Black Sticks overcome Argentina
Photo: Rodrigo Jaramillo, worldsportpics.com
It’s been an incredible day for midfielder Anita McLaren who celebrated her 250th international in style as the Vantage Black Sticks Women downed Argentina 3-2 in the third test.
After dropping the opening two games in Buenos Aires, the Kiwis showed determination to fight back and secure a come from behind victory.
Shiloh Gloyn scored a well-deserved double thanks to a second minute penalty corner and 38th minute field goal, while Argentina led 2-1 at halftime after a Julieta Jankunas brace.
McLaren proved the hero with less than a minute remaining, delivering the game winning blow from the field to complete a memorable clash.
Head coach Mark Hager said it was pleasing to see his side improve following on from game one and two.
“It was a much improved performance today. The girls played with good structure and we were able to control Argentina’s attack much better than previous games,” he said.
“It was great to see the girls fight hard today and apply some of the details we have been talking about.”
The Vantage Black Sticks are back up against Argentina at 10:00am (NZ time) tomorrow in the fourth of five tests.
VANTAGE BLACK STICKS: 3 (Shiloh Gloyn 2, Anita McLaren)
ARGENTINA: 2 (Julieta Jankunas 2)
Halftime: Argentina 2-1
Hockey New Zealand Media release
2018 Test Matches USA v CAN (W) - 3rd Test
California (USA
USA - CAN 2 - 1
FIH Match Centre
Why next Saturday's Sultan Azlan Shah event is critical for India
Sundeep Misra
Sardar Singh
In a season where you have the Commonwealth Games, the Asian Games, Champions Trophy and the biggie, the World Cup, the Sultan Azlan Shah tournament (March 3 to 10) seems to shrink in importance. But come back to preparation, training, organisation, mental make-up, the measure of preparedness can only be gauged in tournaments like the Azlan. But for some reason, the Indian team is going with a mixed team, resting crucial players and giving three players - Sumit Kumar (Junior), Mandeep Mor and Shilanand Lakra - who make their maiden senior team debut.
Decent defence
What is slightly perplexing is that India have a decent defence with Varun Kumar, Surender Kumar and Dipsan Tirkey but there is a clear gap when it comes to penalty corners. Both Rupinder Pal Singh and Harmanpreet Singh, two main PC convertors, are not making the trip. Varun does manage to convert, but when it comes to experience, he remains a distant third.
One can always argue that the Azlan Shah is a perfect pitch to groom youngsters so matches against World No. 1 Australia and Olympic champions Argentina will be great exposure.
But losses also have a tendency of hanging on like a dark, dank cloud. Australia are playing with their best squad and so are England, the reigning Azlan Shah champions. Mark Knowles, the Aussie captain has already announced that the CWG will be his last tournament and a win at the Azlan will give him the boost he needs to regain the CWG gold on the Gold Coast.
India have always been top draw at the Azlan Shah with 20 appearances winning five gold, two silver and seven bronze. In only six editions, they have come back without a medal. If the India coach Sjoerd Marijne has a few slots in his CWG team still vacant, it will be the performance at the Azlan Shah that would convince him about those players.
Confident skipper
In that sense, it's a test for Surender Kumar and Dipsan Tirkey. Most eyes would also be on the captain and one of the most influential Indian players of the last decade, Sardar Singh. There is speculation whether he can hold a place in the Indian team anymore. Sardar believes he can. But after being dropped for the Hockey World League Final and then the double leg four-nation tournament in New Zealand, it seemed the end of a chapter.
But he now leads the team at the Azlan. And a powerful performance in the midfield might just convince Marijne that the Sardar still has it in him. To his credit, Sardar has kept a low profile, avoiding questions and working quietly on his fitness. As for skill, he is still right up there. But new coaches come with their ideas and some players suddenly find they don't fit in. Marijne has maintained that he wants to rotate the players, knowing it's an important and hectic year. To his credit, younger players have got a look-in. Now, it's the combination that needs to be decided upon.
Every tournament is intrinsically slightly different from the rest. A CWG is important for momentum while an Asian Games gold makes the team reach Tokyo, two years before while the Champions Trophy settles ideas and fitness before the World Cup.
Big draw
There are no points or rankings at the Azlan. But as a tournament, it fits into every coach's manual for preparing a team looking at bigger conquests. India won the Azlan Shah for the first time in 1985 under Mohammed 'Magician' Shahid's captaincy. Interestingly, under Pargat Singh in 1991 and 1995, they won the tournament twice - once in Ipoh and then in '95 in Kuala Lumpur. Now, the Azlan Shah's permanent home is Ipoh. It was in 2008 that Sardar became the youngest Indian captain when he led the team at the Azlan Shah.
Now at 31, nothing would make him happier than once again leading from the front and hopefully make another final where as per the form book, either Australia or Argentina should be the opposition.
"I want to give my best," said Sardar. "It's a young squad with a few experienced hands and we will try and follow instructions and ensure that the team do well." In a highly competitive environment where sometimes tournaments don't survive because of a lack of sponsors or marketing acumen, huge credit to Malaysia and the Sultan for backing this annual tournament that keeps hockey competitive in the region and also provides intense competition to the invited teams. Most teams agree that the Azlan Shah is one of the best organised tournaments along with being a great host.
In seven days of high-octane hockey, some great matches will be played between India, Australia, Argentina, England, Ireland and Malaysia in what will be a six-nation tournament. The stakes are different for each team. Australian coach Colin Batch said: "I think we've got a good mixture, not only in the 18 we've picked, but in our squad as a whole. They are learning quickly and we want to be able to perform every time we go out on the pitch, so that's why Azlan Shah is important preparation for the Commonwealth Games."
Outstanding matches
There have been great matches at the Azlan. But the two that stand out would be the 1991 win over Pakistan and the 1995 victory in the final over Germany. In 1991, under the floodlights, India beat Pakistan 1-0, thanks to a lovely, powerful finish from the top of the circle by Mukesh Kumar. Pakistan had a strong team under Shahbaz Ahmed and they had finished runners-up to Holland in the 1990 World Cup.
The same Pakistan team would go onto clinch the 1994 World Cup, beating Holland in the final. Coached by Balkishen Singh, India were preparing for the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. After India had taken a 1-0 lead, they missed out on a penalty stroke when Shakeel Ahmed couldn't beat the Pakistan goalkeeper. It was a match played at a frenetic pace; surely one of the best games that the Ipoh hockey fans have ever seen.
Even the 1995 final was a classic. After Germany had taken a 2-1 lead, Jagbir Singh equalised 2-2 and then in the penalty shoot-out, India won 5-4. It was a tournament that would be remembered for Baljit Singh Saini's debut.
Interestingly, both the 1991 and 1995 wins, came under the leadership of Pargat Singh.
Mid-Day
Two defeats for Wanderers in Women’s EHF Indoor Club Cup day two
It was another tough day for Dundee Wanderers at Women’s EuroHockey Indoor Club Cup in Dundee. Wanderers lost their final match of Pool A and entered Pool C to battle against relegation. They were then defeated by 6-2 GHC RITM Grodno of Belarus, a result that left the Scots hosts bottom of Pool C on one point.
UHC Hamburg 4-0 Dundee Wanderers
Dundee Wanderers finished bottom of Pool A after a 4-0 defeat against UHC Hamburg at the Women’s EHF EuroHockey Indoor Club Cup in Dundee.
It was a fast start to the game with UHC pressing and Wanderers playing on the counter attack.
The first clear chance of the match went to UHC with an early penalty corner, but it was well saved by Carmin Dow who stood tall in goal to block.
The opening goal for UHC came soon enough and it was from another penalty corner. This time the ball sailed into the top left corner by Roda Muller Weiland to make it 1-0.
The Germans were putting Wanderers under real pressure as the half progressed, intercepting passes and moving forward at pace. Dow in goal did well to halt attacks by springing forward to block attacks.
It went to 2-0 with UHC’s fourth penalty corner of the match. This time the ball was slammed into the bottom left corner by Katharina Otte.
It was 3-0 just after half time. The ball trundled over the line after it was squeezed past Dow by Otte. Then almost immediately it was 4-0, Otte again scoring to complete her hat trick.
As the half progressed a penalty flick was awarded to the Germans. The effort was well saved low to the left by Dow, this was followed by a succession of great saves by the keeper while the German’s went on the hunt for a fifth.
A late penalty corner opportunity for Wanderers was well defended and it ended 4-0 with Wanderers set to face GHC RITM Grodno in the relegation pool.
3 February 2018 at Bells Sports Centre, Perth.
Dundee Wanderers 2-6 GHC RITM Grodno
Dundee Wanderers lost 6-2 to GHC RITM Grodno of Belarus, a result that left the Scots bottom of Pool C on one point.
A penalty corner was awarded to Grodno after two minutes and it resulted in the opening goal. Volha Shyntar was the scorer, slamming the ball into the bottom right corner.
Grodno started the game well, playing a high press with Wanderers at half court.
A second goal for Grodno soon arrived in the fourth minute; Natallia Mazyrka from wide left in the D picked her spot superbly.
Ruth Blaikie then pulled one back for Wanderers; she popped up in the middle of the D to tap home under pressure.
Then Yuliya Kuhanskaya made it 3-1 with a flick from the top of the D to restore the two-goal advantage.
Wanderers set off on a great break by Emily Dark, surging all the way down the court, but she was unable to get her shot away.
Grodno forced Carmin Dow into two great saves within seconds by Dow, as Wanderers withstood the attacks.
The Taysiders almost pulled one back when Cat Roberts spun and shot, but her effort hit the post.
Kuhanskaya then scored her second of the match for Grodno to make it 4-1 from a slick corner routine.
Sviatlana Bahushevic scored a fifth after hitting Wanderers on the break. Dark was in the Grodno D and shot just past the post before a Grodno counter attack saw a goal for Bahushevic.
Hanna Sauko popped up unmarked at the far post to knock in a sixth within a minute of the fifth to give her side a strong lead at half time.
Wanderers came out for the second half hunting goals and nearly got one early doors when Dark ran through one-on-one with Tatsiana Kechan, but the keeper came out on top.
A succession of penalty corners couldn’t find the net for Wanderers until they were awarded a penalty stroke when one hit a defender’s foot. Dark stepped up to hit it and converted well to make the score 6-2.
There were chances for Dark and Blaikie but the Dundonians couldn’t find any more goals and it was the Belarussians who took the vital win.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Surbiton reclaim top spot
Clifton Robinsons goalkeeper Louisa Bell prepares to save a shot from Surbiton's Hannah Martin. Credit Peter Smith
Surbiton went back to the top of the Investec Women’s Hockey League Premier Division after winning 3-1 at Clifton Robinsons, as rivals the University of Birmingham saw their match at East Grinstead postponed.
A frozen pitch forced the postponement of the match at Saint Hill Road, which gave Surbiton the chance to take back the lead they lost seven days earlier.
Hollie Pearn-Webb gave Surbiton the lead from a penalty corner after just six minutes, and although Abi Porter levelled for the hosts, Surbiton went on to win with Sarah Page and Georgie Twigg scoring from open play after 47 and 54 minutes respectively.
Bowdon Hightown’s Tara Melvin scored the only goal of the game as the Jaffa Super 6s indoor champions beat battling Canterbury.
Elsewhere, Holcombe and Buckingham fought out a close 3-3 draw on Saturday evening, with Holcombe remaining third while Buckingham’s play-off hopes remain alive as they sit fifth in the table.
Ellie Watton gave Holcombe the lead after 20 minutes, but Buckingham levelled ten minutes later, Abbie Brant scoring from open play.
Watton’s second goal shortly after half time gave the home side the lead, and although Eloise Laity added another Buckingham, four minutes later Holcombe were back in front with Tanya Britz the scorer.
But in the last few seconds Lauren Thomas gave Buckingham a share of the spoils from a penalty corner.
Investec Women’s Conference West
Two goals from Katrin Budd helped Swansea City beat leaders Trojans 2-0 in the Investec Conference West – but they still top the table after rivals Stourport and Reading could only draw.
A win for Stourport could’ve seen them leapfrog Trojans, but they went behind to a Fran Clements goal, and it wasn’t until the 68th minute that they pulled back level through Sarah Parkinson-Mills.
Swansea are still fourth after their dramatic win, but are now one of four teams separated by just three points in a conference that looks set to go down to the wire.
Elsewhere, relegation rivals Team Bath Buccaneers and Cannock drew 2-2, while Gloucester City were 2-0 winners at Oxford Hawks and Isca and Olton & West Warwicks drew 1-1.
Investec Women’s Conference North
Runaway leaders Beeston notched up another win in the Investec Women’s Conference North, beating the University of Durham 3-0 to remain nine points clear at the top of the table.
Esme Burge opened the scoring with a field goal after seven minutes, and Lauren Burrell doubled their lead three minutes later, again from open play. And Beeston’s third and final goal came on 19 minutes, Nina Apoola finding the net.
A strong defensive performance from bottom of the table Liverpool Sefton wasn’t enough for them to take the points, as Annie Mills’ seventh minute penalty corner goal gave second-placed Brooklands-Poynton the win.
A goal with eight minutes from the end by Rachel Greenwood was enough for Fylde to win 1-0 at fellow strugglers Wakefield, while Ben Rhydding lost out to Timperley 2-0.
And honours were even in the mid-table clash between Sutton Coldfield and Loughborough Students, which ended 2-2.
Investec Women’s Conference East
Leaders Hampstead & Westminster secured a 6-0 victory for the second week in a row, beating hosts Barnes in the Investec Conference East.
Two goals from Louise Radford plus others from Emily Maguire, Sarah Robertson, Amy Askew and Joyce Esser helped Hampstead notch their 13th league win in 14 games this season.
Second-placed Wimbledon were drawing 1-1 with St Albans at half time, but a second half blitz saw them run out 5-1 winners. Olympic gold medal winning Crista Cullen scored twice for Wimbledon, while others came from Suzy Petty, Eliza Brett and Kate Maxey.
Goals from Jordan Homann and Lisa Williamson helped Cambridge City secure a good 2-1 away win at Harleston Magpies, while Pippa Woodrow’s 27th minute goal gave Southgate a 1-0 win over relegation rivals Chelmsford.
And Sevenoaks were 1-0 winners over Bedford, Katy Warrington scoring their goal.
England Hockey Board Media release
Scottish National League 1 restarts with a round of close results
Photo Duncan Gray
In a day of close results, Grange have lost a little ground on Bromac Kelburne in men`s National League 1 while Edinburgh University retained pole position in the women`s league with a narrow 2-1 win over city neighbours Watsonians.
It looked curtains for Grange when Gavin Byers and then Paul Martin scored for Grove Menzieshill in the first minute of each half. But the Edinburgh side were not to be humbled, with six minutes left Irishman Frank Ryan gave them a lifeline when he slid the ball home following a goalmouth scramble. A share of the points was finally secured with the last touch of the contest, Grange captain Cammie Fraser fired home a loose ball in the Grove Menzieshill circle for a belated share of the points.
Bromac Kelburne took on Clydesdale at Glasgow Green and the champions took the points with a close 2-1 win. After an even opening spell Kelburne were awarded three consecutive penalty corners, at the last one Ben Peterson found the net with a low drag flick to open the scoring. Kelburne doubled their tally, Gary Maitles was allowed to progress along the bye-line and he took advantage of his freedom to slide the ball home at the near post. Clydesdale pulled one back with a clever deflection by Walker – no more than the Titwood side deserved. Clydesdale pressed for the equaliser but Kelburne held out for the narrow victory.
At Auchenhowie hat-tricks by Brad Hughes and Steven Percy gave second bottom Uddingston a 6-3 win over Western Wildcats, as a result the Lanarkshire side move up to seventh in the table.
Inverleith picked up their second point of the campaign with a 1-1 draw against Edinburgh University. John Martin put them ahead at the interval but the students levelled through Alan Oldham in the second half.
Photo by Andy Lovat
The close results continued as Edinburgh University held on to pole position in women`s National League 1 with a 2-1 win over city rivals Watsonians, Caitlin Girdwood scored both their goals.
Elsewhere, Milne Craig Clydesdale Western beat bottom side Kelburne 9-0 away from home, Alex Wilson scored a hat-trick while there were doubles for Jen Eadie and Lexi Sabatelli.
A penalty corner strike from Catriona Booth was sufficient to give Western Wildcats the three points against Glasgow High Kelvinside in a close but scrappy contest.
Taysiders Grove Menzieshill remain in second spot after the restart of the league after a Jude McMullan strike gave them a slender win over Grange.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
UiTM lift President's Cup
By Jugjet Singh
KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) lived dangerously before edging Politeknik 4-2 in shoot-out to lift the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) President's Cup title Saturday.
The match ended 1-1, when Politeknik's South Korean Oh Seyong shocked UiTM in the third minute with a field goal, but Azwar Rahman's 20th minute strike was enough to take the final to shoot-out.
UiTM had trusted former women's national coach K. Gobinathan as their coach and he was delighted to take them into the Premier Division next season.
"We had planned to win and play in the Premier Division next season and my players really did the university proud.
"We had many on the injured list and that's why the final turned out to be our hardest game this season," said Gobinathan.
UiTM kept a straight record to lift the League title, and even though they had to go into shoot-out for the President's Cup, Gobinathan was delighted.
"We had trained for a shoot-out and it really helped. It was a tensed moment for us, but we achieved our target and that's what counts," said Gobinathan.
In the bronze playoff, Nur Rahul Hrsikesa's solitary goal helped Kedah to beat Ipoh City Counil.
President's Cup: Final -- UiTM 1 Politeknik 1 (UitM win 4-2 in shoot-out); Third-Fourth: Kedah 1 Ipoh City Counil 0.
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
Varsity verve
By Aftar Singh
Too strong: UiTM players and officials celebrating after winning the President Cup at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday. — M. AZHAR ARIF / The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM)-KPT are on a roll in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL).
They have won two titles in six days to earn a promotion to the Premier Division next year.
Yesterday, they bagged their first-ever President Cup title by defeating Politeknik-KPT 4-2 in a penalty shootout in the final after both teams failed to break a 1-1 deadlock in regulation time at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
Last week, UiTM lifted the Division One league title, also beating Politeknik (3-1).
Muhd Shahfirul Aqmal Mohd Saiful, Mohd Nor Aqmal Abdul Gaffar, Muhd Azwar Abdul Rahman and Mohd Asraf Zulzali were the scorers during the penalty shootout for UiTM.
Politeknik converted through Choi Jin-young and Mohamed Shazwi Rani.
Politeknik, powered by five South Koreans, drew first blood as early as the third minute when Choi Jin-young dribbled past two players in the semi-circle before squaring to Oh Se-yong, who easily pushed the ball past goalkeeper Mohd Adi Farzi Abdul Rahim.
UiTM fought back to equalise in the 20th minute through forward Muhd Azwar Abdul Rahman, who collected a loose ball before scoring.
The Star of Malaysia
MJHL: Malacca decline promotion
By Jugjet Singh
THE Malaysian Junior Hockey League (MJHL) team managers meeting was held Saturday, and the Malacca Municipal Council (MBB) received the biggest shock when they received news of being promoted to Division One.
JHL entries closed end of January, but until yesterday teams had yet to receive any news on the teams competing in Division One and Division Two.
Malacca, who finished third in Division Two last season, were 'promoted' to Division One when Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) did not put up a team.
Shocked Malacca team officials immediately declined the promotion, as they did not have the players to challenge Division One teams.
The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) competitions committee then decided to promote Perlis, who finished fourth, and after much persuasion, Perlis agreed but are expected to face a tough time this season against the 'big guns' of JHL.
There will be 10 teams in Division One, and 17 in three groups in Division Two.
MHC decided to start the Division One matches on March 7, while the Division Two will start on March 28.
Many team managers came out of the meeting room looking disturbed, because their questions were not answered, and they were brushed aside.
"We were told not to make any media statements on the JHL team managers meeting or we will face disciplinary action from the MHC," said a manager who declined to be named.
Many managers are not happy because until yesterday they still did not know which team is playing and where they will travel to.
"Malacca received a shock when promoted because UniKL (who finished seventh in Division One last year) did not put up a team.
"The questions that were asked were also brushed aside, and even though we have to submit our team lists by Monday, we have yet to receive the fixtures.
"Since we have to travel all over during the JHL, giving us early information (like fixtures) would have made it easier to arrange for travel and accommodation if we need to stay overnight," said a manager who declined to be named.
Four Thunderbolts teams, sponsored by Tenaga, and Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ)-Tigers, Old La Sallians Association of Klang (Olak), Perlis Lions, SSMS Resilient, Datuk Bentara Titanium and SSTMI Juniors will play in Division One.
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
Tenaga’s Thunderbolt teams to start as favourites for MJHL title this year
More experience: Mohamad Akimullah Anuar Esook (left) is one of the three Thunderbolt players who have shown maturity in the MHL.
KUALA LUMPUR: Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) are a dependable power source when it comes to producing the country’s future talents.
They invested in a hockey development programme 11 years ago and it has produced four Thunderbolt teams – Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School (SSTMI), Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS), Anderson of Ipoh and Pahang Hockey Academy (AHP)-MSP.
The teams have shown results in the Under-19 Malaysian Junior Hockey League (MJHL) with BJSS-Thunderbolt winning the Division One league title last year.
All four also qualified for the semi-finals in the overall Cup with SSTMI winning it.
The four Thunderbolts will start as favourites again to win the Division One and overall title this year in the MJHL, which begins on March 7.
The others in the fray are Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ)-Tigers, Old La Sallians Association of Klang (Olak), Young Lions, SSMS Resilient, Datuk Bentara Titanium and SSTMI Juniors.
Tenaga Nasional chief coach Nor Saiful Zaini said Thunderbolt had dominated the MJHL and also played their part in producing players for the national junior and seniors teams.
“We’ll continue with our development work as we want to produce many talents,” said Nor Saiful, who is also the project coordinator for the Thunderbolt programme.
Nor Saiful said he was pleased with a few of the junior players for showing they could hold their own against experienced foreign players in the recent senior Malaysia Hockey League (MHL).
“A few of them have been called up to join the national development squad and this augurs well for our Thunderbolt programme,” said the former national player.
The Thunderbolt players who have shown their maturity in the MHL are Muhd Akhimullah Anuar Esook, Syarman Mat Tee and Arif Sabron.
The Star of Malaysia
Scorrd launches new platform to build the hockey community
©: Frank Uijlenbroek/world Sport Pics
Oriol Peremiquel and Sébastien Commeyne officially launched Scorrd this week, a social platform dedicated to field hockey and backed by the European Hockey Federation.
The platform contributes to building a hockey community, by enabling hockey players, coaches and clubs to connect with each other on a worldwide level.
Open to players as well as to coaches and clubs, both on a professional and recreational level, Scorrd will allow users to create a profile by filling in their personal hockey data such as club history, achievements, references, videos, images, field position, club location and much more.
Members can connect with each other and discover peers in their community. Moreover, a filter will allow members to search by age, gender, skills, category, nationality and more, to open up new opportunities.
Co-founder Peremiquel (pictured) has previously played in eight seasons of the Euro Hockey League, playing in the first six seasons with Atletic Terrassa and then lining out for two seasons with KHC Dragons.
As such, he is in a great position to see the need for such a development: “Both of us, as passionate hockey players, encountered a lack of transparency and difficulties to find relevant information about hockey.
“As hockey is growing at an impressive pace, we want to help players and coaches to get in touch with clubs. Moreover, we are convinced that building one community where all hockey people can connect easily, can promote the sport and open up the hockey market worldwide.”
Scorrd is a combination of a social network, a transfer marketplace and a news feed for field hockey. The platform can be used by either players, who are looking for a new club or to play abroad, or by coaches in search of their next challenge or clubs looking to strengthen their line up for the upcoming season.
It is also a way to get to know each other and stay connected and informed about the world of hockey. Integrating hockey brands, federations and events, such as camps and tournaments will make Scorrd a reference for the worldwide hockey community.
“The EHF is impressed by the vision of Scorrd and its founders has of connecting hockey players and clubs. It is a platform that will strengthen ties within the hockey community and assist both players and clubs connect in an open and transparent fashion. Club hockey is at the heart of European hockey so it’s a natural fit for EHF to be supportive of this initiative.” says Angus Kirkland, Director General of EHF.
In June 2017, Sébastien and Oriol launched research to discover the wishes and needs of players, coaches and clubs. With relevant data and insights, they started to build a platform. The first landing page went live in December 2017.
More than 700 players, 100 coaches and 60 clubs from more than 30 countries, pre-registered to the platform. This includes worldwide ambassadors such as Thomas Briels (Belgium), Sander Baart (The Netherlands), Georgina Oliva (Spain), David Harte (Ireland), Selin Oruz (Germany), Brent Livermore (Australia) and many more.
"Scorrd has the possibility to revolutionise the hockey community we all love. It can change people's lives and help find new challenges and opportunities for everyone who is up for it. I am really excited to see how Scorrd will change the hockey community forever," comments Thomas Briels, the Belgian men's national team captain.
** Find out more information and register on www.scorrd.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scorrdhockey/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Scorrd/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ScorrdHockey
Euro Hockey League media release