The Skoolsports October 2008 Camp was a great success and all the players showed a high level of commitment throughout the week. The standard of hockey from everyone was excellent and we hope that everyone was able to have fun whilst learning and practising some new skills.

The camp was run by coaches who all have representative experience at the highest levels and none more so than Graham Moodie, the current Scotland Mens Captain, who has over 150 caps and played at the Athens Olympics for Great Britain. All the coaches really enjoyed working with the players and helping them to develop their skills hoping that maybe one day we'll see a Skoolsports player heading to a Commonwealth or Olympic Games!

 

The players were put through their paces each morning with footwork and vision exercises before taking on a wide range of skills sessions designed to test each individual to their limit. In the afternoons there was a variety of games (some non-hockey related) to ensure everyone had some fun and there was a competitive edge for the teams.

 

The music was a firm favourite with everyone during the first three days as it helped create an exciting and friendly atmosphere but unfortunately for reasons outwith our control there was no Europop for the last 2 days of the camp. We can only hope the now famous i-amp will return at the Christmas and Easter camps, although Colin is aware his tunes may not be so lucky...

The four goalkeepers faced some tennis ball practice from Colin's 'Andy Murray power serves' when working on their footwork and hand coordination which was enjoyable for everyone although the wind played havoc at times!!

The 'Crazy Relays' proved to be massively popular and provided an insight to the lengths both the players and coaches are willing to go to secure victory. The improbable high scores of Team Graham and Team Becky created much doubt about the tactics they were employing as well as their ability to count. The relays also provided a rest from the skills sessions and gave everyone the opportunity to have lots of fun whilst improving their teamwork and communication skills with all the players from different schools across Edinburgh.

The Skoolsports stick game and tug of war were fiercely competitive and provided huge excitement, shocks, glory and even a few tears for those who were so close to winning. They will no doubt be back at the next camp as people strive to retain their titles and win more prizes.

The end of camp tournaments were won by hockey 'powerhouses' Jamaica and Zimbabwe and each winning player received music vouchers for becoming Camp champs! Other prizes including Skoolsports clothing, sticks, stick bags, water bottles, hockey accessories, sports drinks and sweets were awarded to the players on the last day of camp.