Katie & Abby attend Ulster Hockey Development coaching course

Both girls were selected for the coaching session after being nominated as high potential performers by the club's own youth development team. Newry's up and coming goalkeeping stars, really enjoyed the two day specialist coaching provided by the top goalkeeping coaches in Ulster.

After rejoining her home town club last season, Katie stepped straight into the Ladies 1st XI, playing in a very competitive Ulster Senior League 3. Before this Katie had played with Dromore Ladies HC where she was a key member of their Under-15 team that won All-Ireland honours. Katie also plays in goal for the girls 1st XI at Banbridge Academy. Having just successfully completed her GCSE's, she's looking forward to moving into Lower Sixth to start her A-levels in September.

It's not the first time Katie has been selected for the Ulster Hockey development coaching courses. She also attended a series of coaching sessions in 2020 before Covid interrupted the season. Keen to do her bit in helping to develop the playing strength within the club, Katie has taken Abby Moffett under her wing. She has been supporting and encouraging Abby as she gets started in the club's Under 15's.  Still only 13 years old and a pupil at Newry High School, Abby is already showing her potential as a goalkeeper on the pitch. "I'm really excited for the new season" Abbey told us. "The coaching course was really worthwhile and has helped me to understand how I can improve different aspects of my game in goal.  Sliding out to meet attackers and block the ball is something in particular I'll be working on."

Hopes are high for the coming season for both the ladies 1st XI and for the girls Under-15 development team. It's certainly going to be an exciting season for the two girls, who both have a very bright future in the game!