England and GB centre forward, Sam Ward, recently visited Oundle School to train with the School’s hockey players.
Pupil, Dora Nicolle, commented: “It was absolutely amazing to have Sam Ward coach us. He took a small group of forward players and ran us through some shooting drills. The skills he was demonstrating seemed impossible; however it was remarkable to see how much we all learnt. A few of the skills that he brought into the drills were completely unfamiliar but after practising them time and time again we finally got them. He was very patient with us! It was a great experience and we will definitely be using his techniques and drills that he taught us.”
Sam Ward and Esme Wishart
Over lunch, hockey scholars had a chance to talk to Sam about being a professional player and where he has most enjoyed playing.
Head of Hockey and Boys’ Sport, Gareth Terrett, commented: “Sam worked with all age group forwards on goal scoring and how to get the most out of the work in the D. We were privileged to have had this experience and hope to see the results at the weekend.”
Sam is known as one of the brightest young hockey stars in England and a dynamic goal-scorer. He first played as a youth as a member of the Banana Bunch, along with his sister, Nikki. Sam scored two goals in his England debut against Australia at the 2014 Champions Trophy. He signed with US-based STX in 2013 as the first international hockey athlete to partner with the brand and is under consideration for the Rio 2016 Olympics team.
