Athletes arrive for Junior Women’s Camp

August 12, 2010

The first stage of the Women’s National Junior Camp has started this week at UBC and will run from August 10th to the 15th.  A formalized Junior National Team Program is a strategic initiative for Field Hockey Canada. The identification camps represent the initial phase of this program. 40 Athletes arrived from across Canada yesterday to participate in this camp, with this Nick Sandhu has assumed the appointment of the National Junior Women’s Team Head Coach.

Excitement is in the air as the athletes arrived and settled into their rooms.  It was interesting to see the girls meet for the first time.  Many of the athletes have played against each other for a few years at the National Championships while representing their respective Proviences, and now they are sharing accommodations, training and evolving as players together for Canada.  When the girls entered the Athlete Welcome meeting you could see the anticipation in their eyes.

Head Coach Nick Sandhu greeted the athletes and introduced the staff assisting him this week. Newly appointed Assistant Coach to the Women’s National Team, Paul Bundy went over team direction and tactics as the players took notes.  Following this, Head Coach Louis Mendonca spoke to the athletes about being a part of the program and competing for a spot on the Senior Canadian Team.  The girls were all smiles as Louis prompted them to ask questions about the process of becoming a player for Team Canada.   At this camp as the athletes become a part of the National program, it is an exciting opportunity for all involved. Day two will bring fitness testing and the squad will be divided into two teams for training and games.