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Telecom 2GO Black Sticks To Coach In Wellington

Telecom 2GO Black Sticks To Coach Wellington’s Young Players

Commonwealth Games medal prospects, the Telecom 2GO Black Sticks, will pass on some of their skills to secondary school hockey players on Tuesday (July 9) at the Newtown Hockey Turf.

It will be one of the last opportunities for the public to see the Black Sticks before they leave New Zealand at the end of that week for a test series in Amsterdam and the Games in Manchester.

The 16-member Telecom 2GO Black Sticks squad has come to Wellington from throughout the country for seven weeks of training.

Tuesday’s one-on-one coaching clinic starts at 12 noon and will be available to male and female secondary school hockey players.

Up to 250 secondary school players attended the Black Sticks coaching clinics in Palmerston North and Nelson late last month. There was also a lot of public interest in the sessions.

“Nelson and Palmerston North were great opportunities for young players outside the main cities to get coaching from a national hockey representative and for the Black Sticks to help develop players coming up through the ranks. Now it’s Wellington’s players’ chance to benefit,” says Scott Sargentina from Telecom Mobile.

“The Wellington coaching is timed well because secondary school hockey tournaments are starting soon. It’s also the school holidays so younger children will be able to watch the coaching.”

Secondary school players are expected at the Newtown Hockey turf by noon. After the session, the Black Sticks will go through a typical training session with their coach Jan Borren.

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“Watching the Black Sticks train is pretty impressive and young players will pick up quite a few skills just by observing. They can also see how much work it takes to be a Black Stick and to remain on top of your game,” says Mr Sargentina.

“The coaching clinic will also be a fun day, and a great send off to the Commonwealth games for the Black Sticks. We want Wellington secondary school hockey players and supporters to turn up and show their support for the Black Sticks and their quest for a Commonwealth medal.”

Recently retired Black Stick Mandy Smith will be MC for the day. There will be give-aways of signed team posters, T-Shirts and drink bottles, as well as refreshments for those participating.

The Black Sticks have been training 20 – 30 hours a week throughout their time in Wellington recreating the environment used in the build up to the 2000 Sydney Games.

The Black Sticks won bronze at the last Commonwealth Games. The team is looking to better that this time.

What: Telecom 2GO Black Sticks coaching clinic for secondary schools Where: Hockey Turf, Mt Albert Rd, Newtown When: from noon to 5pm, 9 July 2002


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