Today was our 7th and 2nd to last full day in Holland. For the first time of the trip we were able to sleep in and catch up on sleep. Many of us took full advantage and spent the morning in the extremely comfortable hotel beds. Others spent the morning buying some last minute souvenirs.
We were picked up at noon by our dutch drivers to head to our driver Weiger's field hockey club. On our way to Rood Wit club, Weiger pointed out the numerous mansions surrounding the club. There were many million dollar homes in this suburban area. Once we arrived at the club we were served sandwiches for lunch and had time to ask questions about the background of the club teams and levels of competition in holland. We were able to learn about caps which are the amount of official international matches a player has participated in. This is how players are ranked at the national and olympic level. We were amazed to learn that there are over 300,000 people playing field hockey in holland with hundreds of clubs. This specific club called Rood wit is the home to about 1800 field hockey players. This club has 5 turf fields and one mini field to practice corners. Rood wit means red and white which are the team colors of the club. Weiger one of our dutch drivers is the head coach of the 1st and top men's team at this club. This team would be considered semi-professional in US standards.
After learning many great facts about the different levels of hockey in Holland, our team was able to participate in a clinic held by Karel Klaver, a former member of the dutch national team. He was also a member of the 2004 olympic team, 2004-2005 world cup team, Champions trophy 2004-2005, and the European championship team. Karel has 132 caps and was one of the top players in the world during his time on the national team. The clinic was great and very informational. Karel, Weiger, and Rutger provided us with some new and fast pace drills including hitting, cutting, and sweeping.
We all headed inside the club after the hour and a half clinic to rest up for our next match. At 6:00 we faced off against the combined under 18 1st and 2nd teams. We were able to utilize many of the skills taught in the clinic to improve against our very skillful dutch competition. We may have not pulled off a "W", but we played better than the first game and better in the 2nd half with the feedback provided by the dutch coaches.
Today was a great learning experience for all of the players and coaches being taught by the best of the best. After finishing the match we headed back to the hotel for some delicious burgers and corn on the cob. It was another great day in holland and we can't wait for tomorrow to attend the World Cup for the 2nd time.
Love,
The Coaching Staff
This is the outside of Rood Wit Club.
This is the turf field on which our clinic and match were held. This is the only water turf at the complex.
Interesting statue outside Rood Wit.
This is a picture of the top men's and women's teams at Rood Wit.
The inside of the club which is home to numerous events and post game gatherings.
Some of the girls out shopping this morning.
Team picture with Karel Klaver after the clinic.
Another picture of the girls shopping this morning in a giant wooden shoe.
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