The experience gained, camaraderie developed and the highs and lows shared with team mates is what makes playing the sport so satisfying. The realisation that hockey can grow stronger through the development of this Foundation is a positive for the sport.

The Hockey Foundation is aptly titled for its focus on grassroots hockey. The programmes delivered at junior and secondary schools provide the foundation from which players can progress to the high performance levels of our sport. In my experience, teaching and mastering the basic skills at the junior levels is the foundation for a lifetime of enjoyment and satisfaction in playing the game of hockey. Everyone from our current Black Sticks to those still enjoying masters hockey have all experienced and benefitted from the foundations provided by our regional and national grassroots programmes.