Nika Coertzen Hockey Festival aims to develop the next generation
Nika Coertzen, a seasoned hockey coach well known for her success coaching the 1st XI at Eunice High School, has taken a bold step forward with the launch of the Nika Coertzen Hockey Festival.
A two-and-a-half-day event, which will take place from 17-20 July, it is aimed at developing the next generation of hockey players.
A very busy schedule will see a total of 117 games played on the Astros at Eunice, Grey College, and Saint Andrew’s School. Eighteen schools, featuring nine u12 and 18 u13 sides, will be in action.
“At the u18 level, players enjoy a full calendar of competitive fixtures, playing between 50 and 60 matches per year. In contrast, primary school players typically only participate in about 20 games annually.
“While the shorter season and hockey being mainly limited to term three is a factor, it is clear that younger players are eager for more opportunities to play, learn, and grow,” Coertzen, the Festival Director, told Supersport Schools Plus.
The Nika Coertzen Hockey Festival is the next step forward from the Pre-Season Hockey Festival that Coertzen and her team launched last year, she explained.
That event was a fun, development-focused initiative designed to give young players more game time ahead of the official season and it brought together participants from all provinces, providing an inclusive and competitive environment.
“Last year’s festival was a trial run, and the feedback from players, coaches, and parents was overwhelmingly positive,” she said. “It was clear that there was a real appetite for more opportunities like this, and we’re proud to say that this year’s festival is even bigger and better.”
The event has three primary objectives: to help with skills’ development, team building, and community and connection.
Increased game time will help the players to test and improve their skills in match scenarios, thereby aiding their skills’ development, and coaches will be afforded ample opportunity to assess their squads and identify areas that need attention before the season starts.
“Perhaps, most importantly, players get to enjoy the spirit of the game, building friendships and creating memories that last a lifetime,” Coertzen added.
She said it is vital that the enthusiasm and energy of primary school players is matched by opportunities to grow and enjoy the sport. A well-organised, inclusive pre-season hockey festival could provide the spark that ignites passion, builds talent, and strengthens the hockey community from a young age, she reckoned.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see how much joy and growth comes from giving young players chances to compete, connect, and celebrate the game of hockey.
“I am grateful to Eunice for giving me the opportunity to host the event. I am super excited to see what this year’s festival will bring.”
Adding a bit of mystery to the mix, Coertzen alluded to a surprise opening event that will add to the bubbling excitement around the extravaganza and deliver a strong sense of occasion to the players and fans.
