Surbiton women walk into a new English hockey season after an unbeaten season to claim the English Premier Division championship and qualification for next year’s EuroHockey League (EHL).
Head coach David Beckett is already planning ahead and the club wants to take its past domestic success to the next level and compete now on the European stage. Having to play some of Africa’s finest teams has made it even more exciting for the team to prepare.
One of the benefits for Surbiton is how much time they will have to train together. The team has access to 4 sessions per week with Beckett and has been able to use him on a regular basis to develop their tactical development, fitness and overall style of play.
That consistent building might really come in handy as Surbiton scramble back to their domestic throne whilst they prepare for some of the challenges of the continent.
For clubs that are given the opportunity, pursuing a competitive lifestyle at any level can prove addictive, says Beckett.
After basically tasting it, all club sides lucky enough to travel to and compete in these competitions one wants to go back to it”.
They have proved to be very consistent throughout last season but that spree will need to be repeated in order to create a new challenge at Surbiton. Expectations will have to be tempered and dealing with the extra burden of going head-to-head in several different arenas won’t be easy for the team.
However, for Beckett, and his players, it’s about creating the right environment and not just chasing results. They are aiming to keep hold of their place among England’s top women’s teams, and will live by a positive performance culture.
As Silverno view themselves as the encysted pioneers of style to start an ambitious new phase, their silverware is already taken, and European hockey is coming soon.
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