Writes Rohan B., Mehdi B., Veer V., Lucas G., and Alessandro G. (all U3rds)
During half-term, the U13 A and B hockey teams travelled to Belgium for a five-day hockey tour. The tour provided a valuable opportunity for the team to develop their hockey, experience playing against European opposition, and spend time together off the pitch. Thank you to our hosts for their hospitality and to everyone involved in organising the trip.
Find out more about Hockey at Taylors’ here, or visit our Trips & Expeditions page to see what else the School have been up to.
Day 1 – Writes Rohan B. (U3rds)
3am Alarm, Ferry and First Game
Belgium had been marked on our calendars for months, but nothing could have truly prepared us for just how incredible the first day of our tour would be. We had to wake up at 3:00am, which felt incredibly early, but as soon as we got onto the coach everyone was so excited!
Looking back, the teachers’ decision to take our phones away for the first coach ride was definitely the right choice because, instead of staring at screens, we spent the whole two hours to Dover making up new chants and singing at the top of our lungs.
The ferry felt like a mini shopping centre, with shops, arcades and cafés, where we used breakfast vouchers for a free drink and a delicious pastry. It was then a two-hour journey from France to Belgium. After another two-hour drive, we reached the match where we watched the U19 Waterloo Ducks.
They were ridiculously good. The way they controlled the ball, passed with incredible speed and dominated the field was amazing to watch. Every time they threw an aerial, the whole crowd erupted with huge cheers. Right as the match began, everyone pulled out sweet treats to munch on.
The game itself was fast and exciting, with an electric atmosphere, but half-time was the absolute best part. We picked up huge, piping-hot pizzas to share, pairing up to split one between two people. Then we got to step onto the main hockey pitch in front of a big crowd to play a bit of hockey ourselves.
The match was thrilling and, considering that some of us had never watched a live hockey game before, the experience was surreal. We were so lucky to watch one of the best hockey nations showcase such outstanding skill and teamwork.
Afterwards, we checked into our sports hostel. While the teachers collected our room keys, we watched a game on the massive indoor futsal pitch in the lobby, all of us feeling the tension of finding out who we would be sharing a room with for the next five nights.
For dinner, we were served chicken and rice, which was both tasty and comforting after such a long, active day. We then headed upstairs to our rooms, where we got our phones back for an hour to text and call our parents about our adventure.
It was the most amazing, action-packed first day and the perfect start to what turned out to be an unforgettable trip.
Day 2 – Writes Mehdi B. (U3rds)
Gantoise Hockey Club
As soon as we arrived, we saw a large lake stretching out in front of us. We walked along the riverbank, the gravel crunching beneath our feet. As we entered through the gates of Gantoise, the adrenaline kicked in.
The B team started their warm-up immediately. We practised passing, ran half a lap of the pitch, completed some agility drills and finished with stretches to prepare for the big match. Meanwhile, the A team got the drums ready and started some loud chants to get us all fired up.
As the game kicked off, our opponents displayed an impressive range of skills, and we did our best to defend against all their tricks and powerful shots. Although we made some good runs and passes, by half-time we were down by around six goals.
We were challenged beyond our limits and, although both goalkeepers put in excellent performances and every player gave their all, we still lost by a considerable margin and were unable to score. However, we realised that we needed to pass harder and make better use of the width of the pitch.
All in all, it was a great experience because it showed us not only how we could improve, but also the level we might reach if we continue to practise and work hard.
After shaking hands and taking a team photo, both teams headed for lunch. We settled down to eat while watching the Gantoise women play an excellent match. We learned a great deal from watching them, particularly the importance of recycling possession and remaining composed rather than always attacking directly.
Next, the A team played a very competitive match. They performed brilliantly both as individuals and as a team. They created some good opportunities, including one or two particularly strong chances, but were ultimately outplayed by the opposition. In the end, they lost 4–0 after conceding a few unfortunate goals.
Every player had positive moments to take away from the match.
We then watched an exciting game between Gantoise and Orée, two of the best teams in Europe. Hendrickx opened the scoring and, from then on, both teams showcased an incredible variety of skills and attacking play.
Later, both teams scored from penalty corners, with powerful drag flicks finding the back of the net. As the match neared its conclusion, Orée scored from another penalty corner to equalise. Gantoise pushed hard for a winner, but the game ended 2–2.
After the match, we got to meet some of the players, who kindly signed our hockey sticks.
We stayed to watch the Gantoise and Orée B teams go head-to-head and, during their warm-up, we played some hockey ourselves, working on our passing and enjoying a bit more time with the ball.
The match was another fantastic opportunity to learn from some of the best players around, and it could have gone either way.
After a long and tiring day of playing and watching hockey, we returned to the hotel, where we enjoyed spaghetti for dinner before heading to bed. I think the memory of watching the professional match and speaking to the players will stay with me forever.
Day 3 – Writes Veer V. (U3rds)
Chocolate in Bruges
On the third day, we arrived in Bruges, a medieval city in the north-west of Belgium.
The first activity was a visit to a chocolate museum, where we learned about the origins of chocolate, how it is made and the many ways it is used. We watched a demonstration showing how chocolatiers make and fill chocolates with different ingredients and we were even given free samples!
Afterwards, we visited the shop at the end of the museum, where we could buy some pre-made chocolates.
We then split into groups of four or more and were given time to explore Bruges on our own. We enjoyed wandering through the city while sampling plenty of waffles and chocolate along the way. We were also given money to buy lunch and any additional treats we wanted.
Next, we took a boat tour along the canals running through Bruges. During the trip, we saw some beautiful architecture and famous landmarks while learning more about the city’s history.
After the boat tour, we had some more free time to explore before finally boarding the coach and heading back to the hotel.
We did not have a hockey match on this day, as it was a well-earned rest day in the middle of the tour.
Day 4 – Writes Lucas G. (U3rds)
Jump XL and Orée
As we entered the trampoline park, we were all buzzing with excitement and ready to spend the morning having fun.
The indoor park was huge, with countless trampolines and giant airbags to jump onto from high platforms. In the middle of the park there was a long beam where we could battle each other with soft foam batons until someone fell into the airbag below. There was also a small football pitch in one corner.
After about 30 minutes, many of us organised a football tournament, which was great fun and even included some of the teachers. We left the trampoline park smiling and wishing we could have stayed longer.
Later that day, we travelled to Orée to play our next match. The sky was grey and rain fell steadily, but our spirits were still high.
The matches started well and we put up a strong fight, stopping the opposition on many occasions. However, Orée eventually found a breakthrough and took the lead. Throughout the game, we refused to let the score affect either our effort or our attitude.
During the final minutes, we continued to give everything we had, regardless of the outcome.
After the match, we enjoyed some tea in the new part of the clubhouse before heading back to the hotel for some well-earned rest.
Day 5 – Writes Alessandro G. (U3rds)
Kondaa and the Blue Lions
I remember the bus being full of excitement on our way to the theme park. Everyone was eager to see which rides they were going to try.
When we finally arrived, the excitement levels were even higher. I will never forget one of the rides, Kondaa. It was one of the most exhilarating roller coasters I have ever been on.
When we left the theme park, everyone departed with new memories and plenty of adrenaline for the hockey matches ahead.
The B team played Blue Lions and produced some of the best hockey we had played all tour. However, an unfortunate deflection off the post resulted in us conceding a goal. Even after going behind, we continued to play positively and create opportunities. The match finished 1–0.
We then rushed over to watch the A team finish their match and, despite their defeat, we were all delighted to hear about Louis F’s (U3rd) brilliant goal.
The bus ride home was full of chants and laughter as we reflected on what had been a brilliant tour.
