HOCKEY: Ballyclare High girls have successful Dutch tour

Ballyclare High School senior hockey team who had a successful tour in Holland. INNT 46-804CON

The trip provided the girls with some great opportunities to develop individually and as a team, as well as preparing for the Schools’ Cup.

The girls played two matches against Kampong Hockey Club, winning the first 4-2, with Sophie McDowell (2), Rebecca McCullough and Zara McIlwaine scoring the goals. The second was lost 5-2, with goals from Lauren McKee and Rebecca McCullough. Both games were fast-paced and exciting to watch.

The team had the chance to train with David Harte, Irish Men’s Goalkeeper and Captain, and his Kampong teammate Floris de Ridder, who coaches the Dutch U21 team. This was a great experience for the girls, and gave them the chance to learn new skills and drills and the specifics of game play from very experienced players.

A spokesperson from the school said: “This tour was a great success and provided the girls with important team bonding time, allowing positive relationships to develop both on and off the pitch.”