VIDEO: Olympic hockey heroes are a hit in Chichester

Chichester Hockey Club members were visited by two of the GB ladies' hockey team who won gold in Rio.
Sophie Bray signs a hockey stick for Chichester youngstersSophie Bray signs a hockey stick for Chichester youngsters
Sophie Bray signs a hockey stick for Chichester youngsters

The team’s Olympic effort inspired a nation, captured our hearts and secured vital funding.

It will have done a massive amount for the sport in general – and will do a lot of good for Chichester and other clubs.

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The juniors benefited from one-on-one goalkeeper coaching with Kirsty Mackay and skills lessons from Sophie Bray.

Sophie Bray signs a hockey stick for Chichester youngstersSophie Bray signs a hockey stick for Chichester youngsters
Sophie Bray signs a hockey stick for Chichester youngsters

The duo addressed the group and gave advice on penalty shuffles and witnessed some of youngsters have a go themselves – successfully.

Club chairman Simon Pierce presented the ladies with a thank-you gift of champagne and a Chichester shirt and the entire congregation gave three cheers.

The GB girls then blew everyone away producing a No19 Bray GB hockey playing shirt from Rio, which had been signed by a large majority of the GB-winning side. This will be framed and given pride of place in the new clubhouse, which is being officially opened this weekend.

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Juniors and adults alike lined up to have pictures taken with the pair, touch the Olympic gold medal and get their sticks and shirts signed.

It was a wonderful evening never to be forgotten.

Some of the senior members of the club were barely born when GB last won Olympic hockey gold 28 years ago – hopefully it won’t be so long until the next one.

If you want to get involved in the hockey club, pick up a stick or start as a total beginner get in touch with the club.

All ages and abilities are most welcome.

TOM O’BOYLE

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