GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Union High School's hockey players are relishing the opportunity to showcase their development as a team when the school hosts the Spar Eastern Cape Schoolgirls' Hockey Challenge this coming Sunday, 5 March.

This fixture is one of five regional tournaments of the annual Spar Eastern Cape Schoolgirls Hockey Challenge, which starts this weekend and culminates in May.

Games are played over 20 minutes, which creates a challenging environment for everyone.

"It is always a privilege to be able to host an event of this nature and to extend a warm welcome to all our guest schools, parents and supporters attending this year's challenge," says Union headmaster, William Pringle.

Union's head of hockey, coach Calvin Beck, says this is a wonderful chance to demonstrate the school's hockey credentials and it's top-class facility, as well as what the school is aiming to achieve in the sport going forward.

Bring it on!

Beck has been working hard with the first team squad since last year in preparation for the 2023 season. "Besides the holidays, we haven't stopped the hard graft as we try to instil a new culture into Union's hockey. We are also focused on creating a family group of players who have respect for themselves, for others and for the game."

Beck realises the pressure would be on during Sunday's encounters, which will be a test of fitness and mental strength given the shortened nature of the matches.

"We have focused a lot on fitness, which is one of my big things," said Beck. "The girls are excited about the challenge and the school is looking forward to witnessing the growth of the sport."

The other teams to compete at Union on Sunday are Hoër Volkskool, DSG, Kingswood College, Cradock High School, Union Invitational, Hoërskool Brandwag and Victoria Girls High.

Matches start at 09:00 and spectators are welcome.

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