During the U21 Invitational Tournament in Valencia that took place this past weekend (28 – 30 Octoer), UDP Group 8 held its graduation dinner and ceremony. Three of the UDP umpires from group 8 were umpiring in this tournament: Emma Shelbourne (ENG), Daniel Rodrigues Fernandes (ESP) and Angelika Koppen (GER). Lucas Olivier (FRA) and Lukasz Zwierzchowski (POL).
This was a great opportunity to see the progress the umpires have made on the pitch as well as off the pitch. The venue had the added bonus of having Jean Duncan, former UDP lead, as UM for the tournament.
A dinner was held to commemorate the event, which was attended by EHF Vice-President Jorge Alcover, RFEH President and former Olympic umpire Santi Deo, President of the Federation de Hockey de la Co. Valenciana, Jesus Gracia Perez, the TD and UMs at the the tournament (Adrian Dellamatia, Jean Duncan and Pierre Philippe van Biesen respectively) and Eric Denis, UDP Lead. The mentors of group 8, Juanma Requena and Stella Bartlema were also present.
Juanma and Stella had this to say: “We were very happy with the progress these umpires have made and have enjoyed mentoring them for these last 3 years and wish them the best for the future. We’re sure they will make the UDP family proud!”