Young hockey talent shines at Midi Hockey Day

The success of this inaugural Midi Hockey Day has laid the groundwork for what is sure to become a growing tradition at Laerskool Barberton Primary.

Young hockey talent shines at Midi Hockey Day

The sports fields of Laerskool Barberton Primary were buzzing with excitement on Saturday, August 2, as the school hosted its first Midi Hockey Day for Grade 3 and 4 learners (U/9 and U/10) for the start of this year’s hockey season.

The girls playing in the senior hockey team helped with the warm up exercises.
Boys' and girls' teams from six schools, including Laerskool Laeveld, Laerskool Nelspruit, Lydenburg Primary, White River Primary School, Laerskool Numbi, and of course, Laerskool Barberton Primary, participated in a fun-filled day of hockey and sportsmanship.
Hockey girls in action.

According to organiser Bianca van der Berg, the event was a great success and thoroughly enjoyed by all, especially the young aspiring hockey players. "It was a day enjoyed by everyone, from players and coaches to parents," she said. "For the young players, it was an invaluable learning experience."

Some of the Barberton hockey coaches are Carmen Bronkhorst, Mari Piso, Bianka Vosloo and Michelle Fourie.

This was the first time the age groups played with eight players per team instead of the six used in U/7 and U/8 formats. This change brought new challenges in team coordination and spatial awareness on the field, as well as more structured enforcement of the rules.

Each team played three matches, and their improvement was evident as the day progressed. "It was amazing to see how much the teams' skills improved by their third game," Bianca said.

There were notable differences between the U/9 and U/10 groups. The U/9s played without goalkeepers, with lots of on-field coaching still taking place. The U/10s, on the other hand, played with goalkeepers for the first time which is a significant adjustment that brought both challenges and new excitement.

Hockey boys in action.
"Goalkeepers had to adapt to their new role quickly and start developing the basic techniques needed for the position," Bianca explained. "For many, it was their first time in the box, which made it all the more special."

Although there were no official winners as the day focused on participation and development, it was clear that hockey was the true champion. Parents cheered enthusiastically from the sidelines, and players left the field tired but smiling.

The success of this inaugural Midi Hockey Day has laid the groundwork for what is sure to become a growing tradition. "We’re already looking forward to hosting the next one," Bianca concluded.

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