Gathering young prospects to start hockey’s future |16 December 2017

Yesterday saw the last hockey training session for secondary students at the Astroturf pitch, Roche Caïman.

Organised by the Seychelles Hockey Federation (SBF), the training sessions started on Monday December 11 and yesterday SHF chairman George Sicobo told Sports NATION why it was important to run such training sessions.

“For the whole year we had been scouting for students who can play hockey. We picked from each school five students whom we thought have the potential to become great hockey players. As time goes on, we will keep our eyes open for young talents as we have a four-year plan to detect and train young prospects over a period. After we believe that the team is ready for competitions, only then will we put them to the test,” said Mr Sicobo. 

He also explained that to continue training with the team, the students have to compete well in their trials as the coaches will be checking their progress.

The coaches ‒ Jeffrey Lagrenade, Louis Mambé and Roy Stravens ‒ were picked by the federation and they are all teachers with good knowledge of the sport and have years of experience working with children. They will train the students and also prepare them for future competitions.

Mr Sicobo also stressed that he wishes to get the team ready for future challenges.

“I can’t, in good conscience, send the students out to a challenge right away, since the league next year is more serious than what they are able to do, but with time, I believe we can get them ready. However, I do want to prepare them for competitions in their individual district teams, so they can gain some experience.”

The athletes will focus strictly on training for the next few months as the district challenges don’t start until next year. However, they are maintaining their focus on training and developing their skills.

Lucy Dodin, a parent, has shown an interest by attending the training and providing support for all the students. This adding to the high level of support that the prospect hockey players have.

After five days of training, Mr Sicobo and all the coaches seem satisfied with the commitment by their students.

Rodney Rose