As the ultimate phases of the present FIH Hockey Professional League season method (ranging from 13 June), allow us to hear from the taking part groups. Immediately, the Netherlands’ Co-Captains Marijn Veen and Renée van Laarhoven share their ideas.
– You’ve now accomplished two Professional League blocks. Wanting again, how do you consider them from a sporting perspective?We glance again very positively on each blocks. We received all our performed matches, so from a sporting standpoint it was a powerful interval. Our degree of play was good, and we’re clearly making progress within the themes we’re engaged on as a group.It was a pity that the second match in opposition to Argentina was cancelled as a result of extreme climate, as a result of we all the time actually take pleasure in enjoying in opposition to them.
– The Professional League has already taken you throughout two continents this season. What’s that like for you as gamers?I had been to each nations earlier than, however in China we had been in a unique place than the place I’d been beforehand. China has a tradition and traditions which might be very totally different from what we’re used to, which makes it additional particular to have the ability to go there to your sport.Then again, it’s a number of travelling within the winter, throughout two continents, with all the pieces that comes with it: totally different climates, totally different time zones. It’s a novel expertise to share with the group. There’s additionally a teambuilding side to it, since you’re not simply going away for a fast week. If you spend an extended interval travelling collectively, you naturally develop nearer as a group.
– The subsequent Professional League block might be in your house nation, this time in Rotterdam. Are the Professional League matches at residence totally different from the others?Completely! You’ve the Dutch followers behind you, and within the Netherlands the stands are virtually all the time full. It’s additionally actually particular that your pals, household and different family members can come and watch you play. Hockey is a vital a part of my life, one thing I put a number of time and vitality into. The folks round you’re a part of that too, so it feels additional particular when matches are near residence and they are often there. Completely different folks come to look at me: buddies, household, my boyfriend and that makes it much more enjoyable.
– Ticket gross sales for the subsequent block (13–21 June in Rotterdam) are going very effectively. Do you could have a message for the followers?Come and watch us in Rotterdam! We’re going to offer all the pieces we now have to play nice hockey and obtain good outcomes. We will actually use your help. For us as gamers, it provides an additional increase of vitality!
– This season, the winner of the Professional League earns an Olympic ticket. Is that one thing the group is already fascinated about? In that case, how does that present?Sure, Raoul (Ehren, ed.) mentions it usually through the Professional League. As a group, we actually wish to go to LA in 2028. The truth that we have already got the prospect to safe that in 2026 is certainly one thing that’s on our minds.
