Hockey school proposed

Press, 23 February 1989, Page 33

Hockey school proposed

By

KEVIN TUTTY

The feasibility of establishing a permanent training school for New Zealand’s promising hockey players is being investigated by a former New Zealand representative, Arthur Parkin. Mr Parkin, the coach of the New Zealand junior team, is reluctant to call the proposed school an institute, but it would be run on similar lines to an Australian programme. He has written to 30 young players throughout New Zealand, with the blessing of the national hockey federation, to gauge the support for his proposal. If there is support and finance is available, the scheme would start next year.

The idea for the school, which would be based in Auckland, was prompted by what Mr Parkin believes are cost-inefficient training schools.

"To have three training schools a year over a weekend costs about $40,000 and the players get a total of about 15 training sessions. New Zealand was making little impact in its bid to get back to the top of world hockey, said Mr Parkin. “I believe the only way to get back to the top level is to build from the grass roots. We won’t get back to the top unless we give these young players the coaching they need.”

Mr Parkin has already canvassed a number of young

players around the country at training schools. “I know 80 to 90 per cent of them would jump out of their skins for the opportunity to attend this school.”

Training would be in the late afternoon enabling players to attend university or take a job.

If the scheme is feasible Mr Parkin envisages 16 to 20 players attending the training school annually. At weekends they would be free to play in club teams, and those from outside Auckland would be available for their home provinces at national tournaments.

Similar schemes, but with Government backing, are in place in Australia, Pakistan and the United States.