18th May 2018: A ParaHockey ID / Flyerzs Hockey showcase and a very important introduction to ParaHockey/ Flyerzs day took place here in Surbiton HC as part of the EHCC 2018.
When Surbiton HC decided to host the EHCC, they took the approach of making this top women’s club hockey tournament a hockey event that would be all inclusive.
Speaking to Surbiton’s Joanna Brown she said “For me and the Committee it was essential to make this event a real hockey family event. Inviting the schools yesterday, having a ParaHockeyID / Flyzers event today, the EHCC U14 and Hockey for Heroes. We have an amazing spirit in the club and I am more determined than ever now, having seen the ParaHockey ID players here today that we will start with our own team soon. It was really great to see some new players who have never played hockey, enjoying the facilities that we have to offer here and we hope to see them again soon when we get started.”
Kate and Helen Richardson-Walsh, Ambassadors for Access Sports, were on hand to offer their expert help and advice. They also took on the roles of coach when the Midlands Mencap teams played the showcase event on the EHCC tournament pitch! An interesting match up as both coaches had some good fun rivalry with their teams. Click here
Speaking with Steve Bradley, head coach of Midlands Mencap spoke to us about the growth of the Flyerzs team since their success at the Euro ParaHockey Championships in Amsterdam, 2017. It was hugely important for the group to have a showcase at such, got match practise, show hockey fans what we have done and how our players have progressed. “Obviously we were on a massive high following the positive results in Amsterdam. The best part is that all of the players who were in Barcelona have carried on training and all are still playing and we will take them to Barcelona.” Talking about the longterm goal of Flyerzs Hockey Steve said “The ultimate goal is that we have pool of players to be able to take players from many clubs and showcases all the talent.”
It was fantastic to see Rob Johnson, the goalkeeper who took ill during the Championships in Amsterdam back on the pitch, Steve said “We were obviously very gentle with his training to get him back playing as it was such a serious illness. But as your have seen today he has grown in confidence and is quite a dominating figure in the goal and wants to continue to play hockey and get on with it.” Steve added that they are “Hugely looking forward to the event in Barcelona, we have grown as a team and have a lot of new players it’s brilliant to be able to also take them to Barcelona.”
The next European ParaHockey ID event is coming up in Barcelona 22/24 June 2018, more details to follow.