BUDE Hockey Club recently hosted their first-ever international masterclass weekend with the support of Holcombe Hockey Club, which featured an array of sessions for all abilities hosted by their coaches and Premier League players.

The weekend kicked off under the leadership of Holcombe head coach and assistant Great Britain coach Kwan Browne with a fun and energetic warm-up, before the juniors took to the pitch for a two-hour session. Kwan and his team of international players had a range of stations set up to focus on key core skills which they advised would benefit the players the most.

This set up also allowed for smaller groups to work more closely with the coaches and players like Teague Marcano, Rob Field, Ali Douglas and Trevor De Lois, who were more than happy to demonstrate their skills and guide the players on how to finesse their skills.

To conclude the session and put the learning into practice, small friendly games were organised with the groups given the chance to take on the stars which offered a real challenge and first-hand experience of how the skills they learnt really make a difference in a game.

After a lunch break, the seniors and adults took to the pitch and a similar set up was used to show how the same core skills are so important, but with the requirement to execute to a higher standard; focusing on becoming more consistent and completing the skill at a faster pace were the main key takeaway points. The chance to play against and see top-class players demonstrating the skills at full speed was a real inspiration to those attending.

Late into the afternoon was dedicated to the goalkeepers with Holcombe legend and current England Over 55s goalie Sean Parker leading the session; his vast experience enabled him to provide some very specific drills.

The small group to high coach numbers also meant he was right on hand to give very individual and detailed feedback; allowing huge growth and development across the session. As a final treat, the keepers got to test themselves against the star players in a drag flick penalty corner shootout with all keepers putting in a valiant effort and making some superb saves.

The second day began with current England international Sam Taylor taking the reins, and it kicked off in spectacular fashion with the under 10s session which brought loads of energy and fun games to the pitch.

The day then followed a similar pattern to Saturday with sessions for the juniors, adults and goalkeepers all catered for in specific sessions that offered a different set of skills and drills to learn. Members engaged with the stars, with most asking for advice, guidance and autographs; while the Holcombe players were so friendly, supportive and inspirational throughout the whole weekend.

The Kent-based club also kindly donated a huge amount of spot prizes across all sessions including brand new sticks, signed memorabilia, international playing shirts and other equipment which meant some lucky players left with a surprise gift.

The weekend marked the beginning of what both clubs hope to be a long-term partnership with a view to growing the club and standard of hockey at Bude in a steady and sustainable way.

Bude Hockey Club would like to express a big thank you to Gill, David and Holcombe’s players for putting on such a great event.