Canterbury Hockey partnered with Vantage Black Sticks Men to create a rare hands-on coaching experience as the national team returned to Christchurch.
After a 15-year absence, the Vantage Black Sticks Men (VBSM) returned to Christchurch for a national training camp focused on athlete preparation and squad selection for upcoming international competitions.
Canterbury Hockey seized the opportunity by collaborating with the VBSM management team to create connection and development opportunities for coaches.
Community Coaches were offered the opportunity to attend a “Drinks and Thinks” session with the VBSM coaching team.
This open forum provided a relaxed environment to connect, exchange ideas, and share coaching insights.
Twelve experienced coaches from Canterbury and Otago—representing senior representative, club, and school environments—were invited to take part in a three-day immersive programme. This combined observation with hands-on coaching and offered a rare behind-the-scenes look at how a national team operates.
The programme began with a welcome session, offering coaches insight into the VBSM’s preparation strategies for international competition. This was followed by on-turf observation of a full training session, providing a close-up view of the team’s technical and tactical work. Later, a smaller group of coaches were embedded with the two internal squad teams during match play, contributing directly to coaching conversations and team preparation.
These opportunities offered a unique look into how a national team operates and delivered practical learning that coaches can apply in their own environments.
One coach reflected on the experience, saying:
"It was an amazing experience that helped me understand what coaching at this level involves and where I want to grow next."
Special thanks to Canterbury Hockey staff and VBSM coaches Greg Nicol and Shea McAleese for enabling these opportunities. Hockey NZ looks forward to more initiatives like this, supporting the transition to a decentralised model and a more connected national coaching network.
