Motivational Mondays are not just about the elite of the the elite, but taking this story from our colleagues in EHL, I’m not sure how much more you need to get Motivated, especially players who are currently injured….
Few goals will more passionately celebrated than Erik Bouwens effort for SV Kampong in a 4-4 draw with Rotterdam in the Dutch Hoofdklasse in October.
While the goal was an important one, it marked a special moment after a “tough, tough” year for Bouwens. Late in 2014, he had been ear-marked by Max Caldas as a potential Dutch international and was called into his training panel only to see his chances of playing a role in the team denied through injury.
It was a hugely frustrating time for the 28-year-old and the goal against Rotterdam was a moment he “worked towards for more than half a year”, ripping off his shirt with a roar.
Speaking about it to the EHL website, Bouwens explained what it took to get to that point: “For a long time, there was no physio or doctor that was able to tell me what was wrong with my back. Meanwhile, I was spending months lying on the couch.
“Doctor Vergouwen has a track record of helping many top athletes in the Netherlands and he offered me a way out of the mess, together with the wonderful people of SMC Amsterdam like Rene and Mischa.
“I started out with exercises of 10 minutes per day until I was recovering full on for two hours a day, six days a week. I can not tell you how proud I am to be back on the pitch with the Kampong squad.
“The goal against Rotterdam was something I had worked towards for more than half a year: being of value for the team again. I play with my heart, which made that moment all the more emotional for me. Finally I was back!”
Have a look at the Video of his goal:
Erik Bouwens. Wat een goal, wat een ontlading!
Posted by Kampong Hockey Heren 1 on Sunday, 25 October 2015
Thanks EHL – you have Motivated us on #MotivationalMonday. For more great stories on hockey in Europe go to www.ehlhockey.tv