By Clare Fong (22S06F), Girls’ Captain, Ilya Qistina (22A01D), Girls’ Vice-Captain, Abigail Koh (22S06S), Girls’ Vice-Captain
If you’re looking for Floorball, this is not it.
Hello, welcome to Hockey. If you’ve read this far, you must be wondering, ‘What’s hockey?’. Hockey is an honourable but underrated sport. Often, it is confused with other sports like floorball or ice hockey (we can never understand why) and casted aside to the shadows. However, this only makes hockey a sport one would take pride in if ever given the chance to participate. If you are interested in fostering a new skill many can’t even comprehend, hockey just might be for you!
Our team vision is “Every player, a player of distinction”. At Raffles Hockey, we believe that every player is capable of achieving much more than they think, and our goal is to reach our full potential, both as individuals and as a team.
Girls’ Hockey, being a developmental CCA meant to foster learning and enjoyment of the sport, has few prerequisites. However, this does not mean that it is any less of a sport than the other sport CCAs! With our team philosophy of “Go Hard Or Go Home”, we hope that all players give their all, not just during matches but also during training. Although this may sound extremely daunting at first, the results will definitely become apparent in the long run, with vast improvements in terms of both skills and fitness. After all, anything that is worthwhile never comes easy! The most important thing is to have a growth mindset, be open to new experiences and maintain a willingness to learn continually, along with a spirit of enthusiasm and a burning passion for hockey. Do note that prior sports experience is definitely not a must!
The Hockey Girls’ Team *Pictures taken in accordance with SMMs during the prior phase of Covid-19 measures.
The Hockey Boy’s Team *Pictures taken in accordance with SMMs during the prior phase of Covid-19 measures.
Training typically takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4.30pm to 7pm, either on the Y5-6 Marymount side or the Y1-4 hockey pitch. Nearing competition season, the frequency and intensity of training sessions will increase. Training sessions will be held on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, with Monday sessions lasting from 5pm to 7.30pm. However, due to the pandemic, this schedule is tentative.
Training usually begins with warm-up rounds, followed by dynamic stretches. Thereafter, we will proceed with basic stickwork such as dribbling and passing, followed by drills set by our coach, and we sometimes end off with intra-CCA matches.
Although the National School Games (NSGs) were cancelled (again) this year, Raffles Hockey has traditionally done well for the Inter-Schools ‘A’ Division Championships, with the boys’ team emerging as champions and the girls’ team achieving third runners-up in 2019. Under the guidance of our coach, we will be sure to soar to even greater heights!
As our motto goes, “Glory Before Self”. Raffles Hockey is a CCA that sheds blood, sweat and tears together, striving as one to overcome whatever obstacles lie in our way in our journey towards greatness. As Lilo and Stitch once said, “Aloha means family, and family means no one gets left behind.” The pitch will eventually be a place you can call home, just as your team will become your family, one which would stick together throughout your two years in Raffles.
For us, the pitch has become a safe space where we grow to become more resilient and determined individuals who never give up trying despite the challenges faced. The memories forged in hockey will definitely be something to look fondly upon even after graduating. This team sport allows us to maintain a balanced lifestyle and is a welcome stress relief from the taxing JC journey.
As the saying goes, you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. What are you waiting for? Be sure to come down for trials and make hockey YOUR family!
