Hockey in the Netherlands, it is said to be "world-class". Just one of the reasons the Senior Hockey Teams from LICS decided to visit The Netherlands. Arriving on June, 24th at Amsterdam International Airport Schiphol, for a 10-day stay. On the program, facilitated by the Hockey Department of Sander van der Weide, is a visit to Hockeyclub Houten, situated in the centre of The Netherlands, near Utrecht.
For those of you who are not familiar with LICS: Lusaka International Community School (LICS) is an International School based in Lusaka, Zambia in Southern Africa. It was established 25 year ago and caters for all nationalities and religion. LICS has more than 600 students from kindergarten to A levels. In terms of sports, we do hockey, soccer, basketball, swimming and netball as the main sports. LICS is currently the school of choice in Lusaka.
Hockey is one of the major sports played at the school and in order for us to ensure we fulfill our school vision which is "Maximising the potential of future world citizens", the school endeavors to offer our students exposure to opportunities across the globe. Sending our Senior Hockey Teams to a destination where Hockey is at its best was an opportunity we felt was unmissable. Through Sander van der Weide's Hockey Department we were able to coordinate a 10 day tour to Holland and exposed our teams to world class Hockey Standards. This is certainly something we will aim to do again in the future.
HC Houten is a typical Dutch hockeyclub where families can enjoy hockey on both a recreational and more competitive level. With more than 1.550 active members, in the range of 5 to 70 years old, HC Houten is the biggest sportsclub in Houten and one of the bigger hockeyclubs in The Netherlands. The club has six hockey pitches which are used throughout the year for regional and national hockey competitions of both junior and senior teams.
Houten JB3 - LICS Senior Hockey Team (Boys)
The first match of the day is between the junior boys team of HC Houten (JB3) and the boys from LICS. While the teammanagers get acquainted with each other, both teams prepare themselves for the match. On the pitch they receive their last instructions from their coaches.
After the line-up and the high-fives the teams are ready. Let the match begin!
Both teams need to get used to their opponent, but after a short time everyone plays as though it is is "hockey as usual". The match seems to be in a good balance, without one team having the upperhand.
The technical 🏑 stunts and tricks are closely watched from the gallery.
Houten continues with strong play and creates a lot of scoring oppportunities. But LICS keep their stand and see to it that the score remains unchanged.
It becomes clear that LICS didn't come to Houten to lose, at least not without a good fight. They turn the game around en force their play on Houten. The goalkeeper must do his utmost to keep LICS from scoring.
Then it is half-time. Both teams make their plans for the second half and the referees evaluate the flow of the match so far. On the gallery, the audience update their social media 😎
The second half shows a different team from LICS. The tactical tips from the coach seem to take effect. Houten is forced to defend a goal form LICS seems to be upcoming...
In the dying seconds of the match, Houten gets their final chance with a penaltycorner. Unfortunately for them 😢, the goalkeeper from LICS parries the shot 👏🏻
So the match ends in a draw, 1-1. Looking back, this seems a just score.
Afterwards the players shake hands, say thanks and prepare for...
Houten MB3 - LICS Senior Hockey Team (Girls)
After a short break it is time for the match between the junior girls team of Houten (MB3) and girls from LICS. Both team prepare themselves seriously for the match. Houten seems to have a slight advantage because LICS only has 11 players and, as a consequence, doesn't have substitutes. Anyway, fun and fair play are more important than the final outcome of this game.
After the warming-up and toss it is time for the line-up and high-fives. Just a final little "peptalk" and the match can begin!
De girls from Houten start the game furiously. Immediately they show their eagerness to win this match!
The first quarter is finished. LICS is down a few goals and only has 10 players left. The fans on the gallery are watching with a concerned look on their faces. The LICS coach has to come up with a brigth idea.
And he does! The coach calls in his special reserves 💪🏻
At halftime Houten leads with 5-0. Everybody fears that the LICS girls will get a serious beating 😱
However, Cyril (the coach of LICS) inspires his team to never give up and increase their efforts. Meanwhile, the fans are enjoying the view from a sunny gallery 😎
The girls from LICS fight themselves back in the match. Great offensive play results in their first goal, 5-1. LICS is on the scoreboard!
At the end of the third quarter the score is 5-2 for Houten. will LICS be able to continue their offensive play and hope for some more goals? Or will Houten recover and hold their stand?
The match ends in a 7-2 victory for Houten. Nevertheless, both teams look back on a fun match full of sportsmanship, action and fun!
And, same as with the boys, after the handshakes and thank you's it's time for...
Credits:
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