Ever wondered what to do once you have retired from competitive sport?  Ever wondered where high profile national team players end up after retirement?

Retiring high performing players can struggle with how to give back to the game they have got so much out of. They can continue to play at a different level however this often leads to frustration. Taking on volunteer roles such as administration, officiating and coaching add significant value to the sport system.

Ex NZ Black Sticks Hockey player and captain Lizzy Horlock (nee Igasan) was a tenacious player in her time with the NZ Black Sticks. Her direct approach and high skill level combined with undoubted leadership qualities saw her rise to, not only a formidable player, but also team captain. A team member of the Black Sticks team participating in the 2004 and 2008 Olympics,  Lizzy “retired” after the 2008 Beijing Olympic campaign to raise her young family. After a short time in North Harbour playing club hockey along with her new family occupying most of her time, Horlock found herself in the Bay of Plenty and eventually Kaitaia, not usually regarded as a hockey stronghold.

Over the past couple of seasons, Lizzy has introduced the sport to the children of Pamapuria School. Her involvement came about from the girls at the schools contacting her directly with enthusiasm once they heard of her hockey pedigree. “They were keen to give hockey a go so all I asked was that they turn up, work hard and keep up with their other sport and school-work commitments. That was the deal and they certainly kept up their side of the deal. It was easy for me to turn up and share my hockey world with them; eventually we opened the indoor training and games up to other hockey go-ers in the community. They happily dusted off their sticks to give the girls a good run! I am proud of this hockey culture that still exists, the willingness to turn up, share knowledge and experience while enjoying having a hit around with young enthusiasts” says Horlock. Horlock coached the team to the AIMS games in Mount Manganui in 2015 and goes onto say “it was a fantastic experience for the players given they hadn’t even seen an artificial turf before!”

Coaching hockey in Kaitaia has its challenges with very little in the way of facilities or resources that are associated with the game as it is now played. Prior to the AIMS games tournament in Mount Manganui, Pamapuria students took their sticks onto the concrete tennis courts, grass or indoor gym surfaces to prepare. Hockey sticks and balls were not easy to access. Northland Hockey donated a set of sticks to Pamapuria School prior to the AIMs games and Lizzy shared sticks, shoes and shin pads with the students when the need arose. What was in plentiful supply was enthusiasm from the students, skills and knowledge from the coach and a commitment for these kids to have a meaningful experience.

Last year Lizzy coached the Kaitaia College Girls team and took them to play a number of games in Kaikohe. Suzie Ross volunteer competition coordinator for Bay of Islands Hockey organised games with schools in the mid north to play, this meant Kaitaia College played a number of games without having to be locked in to a weekly schedule and the transport challenges that go with this. Lizzy also accompanied Pamapuria school’s two very enthusiastic teams to the primary schools competition in Taipa.

This situation demonstrates the undoubted value of having enthusiastic and skilled coaches presenting a sporting experience to young people.  It’s not always about bricks and mortar.

“Opportunistic is probably a good word regarding my involvement. Opportunities arise, people ask for help and I readily jump in!” says Horlock.

The opportunity to give back via coaching is one that enriches the sport providing excitement and learning for young players and continues involvement for past players. If you have something to offer in coaching, contact your Regional Sport Association or club where there will be a range of options available to support this transition from player to coach.

For more information on how to get into coaching contact Grant Harrison, Sport Northland Coaching Lead by email granth@sportnorth.co.nz or phone 0274 942 571.