PRH recently caught up with England Senior Captain, Andrew Ashurst, who is originally from Plymouth. He told us that he started playing Roller Hockey at the age of 7 when “Someone came up to me the same day that I put on my first pair of skates and asked if I wanted to try the sport. Two weeks later I went to my first practise and the rest is history!”
“When I was twelve I participated in a tournament in L’Anxaneta, Spain where I was awarded player of the tournament. Jokingly I was asked if I would like to play in Spain and, with the fantastic support of my parents, within two years I was out here playing for Sant Ramon, who at that time where the best Minors team in Spain.”
“I remember my first day at school. I came out crying because I couldn’t understand a thing, but 6 months later I could understand Spanish and Catalan.” Andrew told us, “Though I will always love visiting England, I now see Spain as where I want to live. It’s home.”
Andrew recently played in the Spanish Honour Division with Vilafranca and last season with Mieres, in the north of Spain, who came 7th in Division 1. “I had a good season with Mieres. As a result I had a few offers from teams closer to home (Vilafranca del Peneded) and I shall be joining Bell’lloc in the new season. They are a very young team in the 1st Division. It should be fun.”
When asked about the biggest difference between playing in England and Spain, Andrew said “First of all, each player is responsible for their own fitness. I do weights at home and aerobic work. The team then trains four days a week, for about one and a half hours each practice, and play at least a match a week from August to June.”
“The weeks training is normally, day one team fitness, day two individual technique, day three tactics and day 4 training matches to put everything together for that weeks match. Players not only condition their bodies but also their minds.”
“Here the players have a rhythm of play and quick reflexes. They know when to play fast and slow, and they make good decisions. You need good quality, constant hockey to tune these skills. In England it’s just not the same.”
“My advise to young players is that if you have the opportunity and ability to play for a European Club do it as young as possible. I came over at twelve. I think the deadline is sixteen or seventeen to benefit most. Focus on speed and reducing your reaction time. This is the biggest difference between English and Spanish players.”
“Andrew is the most successful of the three players signed to play for professional Clubs.” NRHA Marketing Director, Kos Galtos told PRH, “He has worked hard for his place in teams that are significantly better then anything we have in England. He deserves recognition in England and respect.”
“He takes the sport seriously and after five years playing for England he has proven to be a good Captain that has the confidence of national Coach, Carlos Amaral.”
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Reporter: Kos Galtos
