Every sporting journey has moments that make you stop, look back and appreciate just how far you have come writes Hockey Mentors player Joshi H.
Travelling to the Netherlands for the World Hockey Youth Festival felt like one of those defining moments.
I was preparing to move on to Oakham School, where I feel incredibly proud to have been awarded a hockey scholarship and I saw the Netherlands as the closing chapter of my Hockey Mentors journey. I was saying goodbye to the programme, the tours, the teammates that I have shared so many experiences with and who have been a huge part of my hockey development.
My Hockey Mentors journey began by chance and shortly after came my first international tour to Barcelona for the 76th International Reyes Tournament, where the U16 Boys came away with Gold. From there came multiple tours, tournaments and opportunities that have shaped me both as a player and a person, on and off the pitch.
I travelled to Ireland, where I was incredibly proud to be named U16 Boys Player of the Series, competed at the Netherlands Indoor, won Gold at the Indoor UK Championships and celebrated another Silver at the Derby Grand Slam. There were countless other matches, tournaments, training camps and experiences in between.
Each one brought something different. Some brought medals, some brought individual goals and recognition and others brought challenges and lessons that helped me improve. Together, they created a journey I could never have imagined when I first pulled on my Hockey Mentors shirt.
Then came the Netherlands. Stepping up to the U18 Boys team for the World Hockey Youth Festival Elite Tournament meant competing against some of the very best youth teams in the world. To come away with Bronze was an incredible team achievement and a hugely proud moment.
Hockey Mentors has given me so many opportunities. It has opened new doors, challenged me to push myself and trusted me with leadership roles. Technically, tactically and physically, my game has developed enormously. My speed, decision making, understanding of the game and ability to perform under pressure have all improved.
But perhaps the biggest impact has been on me as a person. Hockey Mentors has taught me about leadership, responsibility, resilience, communication and what it really means to be part of a team, a team of like minded friends. I have learnt that being a good teammate isn’t simply about what happens during a match. It is about supporting each other, celebrating their successes, encouraging them through difficult moments and being someone they can rely on.
And then there are the memories. Some of my favourite moments have happened away from the pitch. There was the infamous educational walk back to the tram in Barcelona following the Gala dinner, which was entertaining on a completely different level and perfectly captured the chaotic fun of touring together. There were quieter moments too, like sitting at the piano in the hotel foyer while my teammates gathered around and sang along to whatever I played. No match, no pressure and no competition – just friends enjoying being together. Those are the memories that will stay with me.
Hockey Mentors also gave me opportunities to experience hockey at the highest level. Being selected for England U16 trials was a huge personal achievement. Meeting members of the England Men’s team and other international players at the World Cup was incredible and gave me a glimpse of where hard work and ambition can take you. Then there was the kit trading, exchanging kit with opposition players from all over the world became a brilliant part of our international tours. Every shirt represented a different team, country and experience and became a lasting reminder of the people I had met through hockey. Some I have remained in contact with.
These moments won’t appear on a tournament results sheet, but they are probably the moments I will remember most. They are the moments that turn teammates into friends. Over the years, my teammates have become genuine friends. We have travelled together, competed together, shared late night pizza orders together and celebrated together, pushing each other to become better. We are a group of like minded, highly driven players who never wanted to settle for average. We wanted to be the best we could be, individually and collectively.
Which brings me to something I will always be proud of: I am part of the HOCKEY MENTORS FAMILY. I am proud to wear my Hockey Mentors shirt. And I am proud of what that shirt represents – the opportunities, the challenges, the friendships, the tournaments, the international experiences and the belief that Hockey Mentors has shown in me.
