Olympic champions inspire the next generation

Hockey stars Kate and Helen Richardson-Walsh brought a touch of gold to Alderley Edge Hockey Club on Saturday, 13th May.

Part of the Team GB who won gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics, they now both play for HC Bloemendall in The Netherlands.

On Saturday morning they spent time at The Edge Hockey Centre coaching Alderley Edge Hockey Club Juniors and students from Alderley Edge School for Girls before taking part in a Q&A session and signing autographs.

Originally from the Stockport area, former GB women's hockey Captain Kate said "I started following Alderley Edge Hockey Club on Twitter after the Olympics as I could see how much amazing work was being done here and how many great Juniors the club has. Helen and I get to do lots of different things but, in the end, it's all about the hockey family and coming back to clubs like this is the thing we hold most dear."

Helen added "Clubs like Alderley Edge Hockey Club are the bedrock of the game. I started my hockey career at my local club when I was seven and learnt important lessons about loyalty, respect and teamwork, as well as having fantastic fun and forging lifelong friendships - being able to give something back at this stage in my career is amazing."

All the AESG and AEHC children who attended 'GoldFest' enjoyed group training sessions on the pitch before Kate and Helen took questions from them and provided some insight into their own journeys to the top of their sport.

AESG Head of PE Lynda McConville said "The girls have been so excited about this and what great role models Kate and Helen are. Their being here really gives the girls something to aspire to."

Young AEHC player, 11-year-old Theo Hunt, was equally inspired. He said "I came along as I wanted to learn some new skills and I've had a great time. I want to be a hockey player when I grow up."

Tags:
Alderley Edge Hockey Club, Alderley Edge School for Girls, Helen Richardson-Walsh, Hockey, Kate Richardson-Walsh
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Comments

Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.

Kelvin Briggs
Sunday 14th May 2017 at 3:49 pm
What a superb day we had at the Edge Hockey Centre yesterday.
Over 120 children met the inspirational Olympic Hockey Gold medalists Helen and Kate Richardson-Walsh .
We had to limit numbers on the pitch due to massive demand and intend to run a similar event next year to cater for the kids we couldn't fit in this time around.
Such a sense of community teaming up with Alderley Edge School For Girls and local business's who helped the club fund the event.
The club need a second artificial grass pitch with floodlights in or around the village and will be looking for support from the housing developers lining up to build new homes around the village.
Helen Moore
Sunday 14th May 2017 at 6:40 pm
A huge thank you to Kelvin and all at AEHC and Lynda McConville at AESG for organising such a fabulous day.
What an opportunity for my daughter and the other children to meet Helen and Kate, such inspiring role models and absolutely lovely ladies as well.