Pre-season Rugby & Hockey Camps

Ashfold’s pre-season rugby and hockey camps are as popular as ever…

This year saw more children than ever taking part in our programme of pre-season rugby and hockey training. The aim being to prepare players for the forthcoming season and have lots of fun too!

A group of 60 boys attended the 4-day rugby camp which was led by Ashfold coaches and supported by 1st XV players from Chinnor RFC.

Meanwhile, a group of 35 girls from Forms I – VI attended 3 days of pre-season hockey. The girls were coached by Ex- Junior International players and current National League players and coaches alongside Miss Wilkins. Old Ashfoldian and Commonwealth Silver Medallist, Zoe Shipperley took time out from the Great Britain Hockey Squad to visit the camp for a day where she delivered some defending masterclasses, answered questions and signed autographs.

All players worked very hard in the hot weather and developed their ball carrying technique and passing and receiving skills as well as playing matches and small sided games to prepare them for the season ahead. A specialist strength and conditioning coach also worked with all the girls to develop their strength and robustness and increase their acceleration and endurance. A number of girls from each year group tried out our brand new goalkeeping kits, courtesy of Ashfold Parents' Committee, and benefited from a goalkeeping masterclass from a specialist goalkeeper coach.

Everyone received their own hockey ball to take home and a number of players won player of the day prizes with one lucky Fifth Former winning a brand new hockey stick from sponsors Gryphon Hockey.

Both rugby and hockey players showed great enthusiasm and passion during the camps and worked hard to prepare for what is sure to be a fantastic season. 

Mr Matt Mountford, Rugby Coach
Miss Emily Wilkins, Hockey Coach