Last weekends NRHA Centenary Tournament that saw 3 English Premier League sides compete against, German and 2nd division Portuguese and Spanish Clubs in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the association was without doubt a tremendous success!
With average attendances of over 400 spectators per match, the event proved an interesting spectacle for fans of the sport, many of whom travelled from around the nation and Europe, and a positive experience for participants that has motivated enhanced involvement for years to come.
Principal organiser, NRHA General Secretary, Aileen Barker must be congratulated for her dedicated efforts to make this event happen. From organising a strong team of organisers and sponsors to the running of the event, without her, and her team, this event would not have been possible, so on behalf of the NRHA’s member we extend our most sincere thanks to them all.
A factor that made this event so special was the evenly matched competition between international opponents that brought out the best in all sides and the challenge of very different styles of play that made every match a multifaceted and entertaining encounter.
Having now organised now organised our first international event for some years and generated significant enthusiasm, the NRHA and its members now need to actively discuss the future of these sorts of competitions and if we should seek to organise similar events on an annual basis to drive our sport forward, and if so for what grades (Senior, Women, Under 17’s etc).
Of particular note is the fact that for many spectators this was the first time they had seen international club hockey and people loved it! The question we must ask ourselves is do we want more and how shall we pay for it!!
