November saw a number of twinning weekends take place, read last week’s piece here: Twinning Report Oosterbeek-Split
This week we look at the partnership between Bulgarian Hockey Federation and the KNHB. It follows on from the fantastic EHF Summer Camp held in Albena, Bulgaria in July in conjunction with HC Athena as part of their twinning initiative. Thanks to Rosita and Alexandra for this report and the photos.
From 26th October to 1st November 3 coaches and 12 players from Bulgaria took part in a training camp in Amsterdam, Netherlands, at the sport facilities of hockey club Athena.
We arrived in the early hours of Thursday and stayed at a hotel, booked by the hosts. In the afternoon we visited the landmarks of the city.
On Friday morning the hosts welcomed us and at 14:00 we began a hockey session with Jay, after which we met with the host families and had the pleasure to stay in their homes for 4 days.
The following day saw another morning hockey session under the guidance of Jay, then after lunch we went ice skating and that evening we had time together and ate traditional Dutch food.
Sunday was a rest day, a day to spend with the host families. We watched some hockey games, traveled by boat around the channels of Amsterdam, etc.
On Monday we were back to work, with a busy day of two hockey sessions with Jay, then in the evening a training with the players of Athena.
Tuesday was the final day, with one last theoretical practice with Jay before leaving for the airport.
We are deeply grateful to HC Athena, Gabrielle, Jay, all players and host families for the warm welcome, for the exchange of skills, experience and knowledge. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to become part of the big European hockey family.