The NAGS boys and girls teams traveled to Zagreb, Croatia, for the EuroHockey 5s tournament. Both teams secured 7th place finishes. Luisa Canenti shone for the girls, scoring 8 goals to become Wales' highest scorer and the tournament's 6th highest. Similarly, Harry Foulkes led the boys with 10 goals, also ranking 6th overall. The boys netted a total of 31 goals, while the girls scored 32, making them the 4th highest-scoring team in the competition. Captains Amy Partridge and Ned Rees Wigmore share their insights:
Amy Partridge, Girls 5s Captain:
Full of highs and lows, this Euro5s tournament had a myriad of challenges for us to face. With a team new to 5s up against more experienced players, I was enamoured by the effort and perseverance of my squad members and proud of our growth. With competitive games, we were closer to a placing than some scorelines reflected. First game built the confidence for the girls with an 11-0 against Georgia allowing several players to get on the scoresheet and last second heartbreak ending in a 4-3 loss against Croatia; we experienced a full fluctuation of emotions and did so as one robust, well-communicating unit.
I'm ever-grateful to the coaches, parents and the players around me for being there for each other and constructing a safe, supportive space away from home.
Ned Rees Wigmore, Boys 5s Captain:
Wales U16 boys travelled to Zagreb, Croatia, to compete in the Euro Hockey 5s tournament between the 3rd and the 6th of July 2024. They competed against Austria, Croatia, Slovakia, Turkey, and Poland in very hot conditions (some days over 30 degrees)! Many of these European teams play Hockey 5s as their main form of hockey and so it’s pleasing that the Welsh boys were able to compete at this level. The thrilling final match against Slovakia went to sudden death which secured another win for Wales. The boys thoroughly enjoyed their tournament, both on and off the pitch; with the trips to the rooftop infinity pool on the 20th floor of the neighbouring hotel being a particular highlight for many!
A big well done and thank you to all the players, staff and travelling support. Photo Credit: Jo Rees Wigmore