Future Black Sticks show how

Hockey players at Ngaere School were given some special training recently by Future Black Sticks Nic Woods (19) and Aidan Sarikaya (17).

The Future Black Sticks squad was visiting Taranaki attending a training camp and during their time in the region visited local schools to help students with skills and give them a look into what it is like to be in the Future Black Sticks programme.

Ngaere School sports co-ordinator Mark Hill says the students were excited to meet the players.

"They came prepared with a whole lot of questions and gear to be signed."

Mark says the students also prepared some drills to show the players their abilities.

"It was great being able to answer the students' questions about our training sessions and camps," Nic says.

"Some of them were very surprised to hear how many hours a week we train."

Denzyl Loveridge Gwerder (12) says it was "pretty crazy" to hear that they practise 15 times a week.

"But then again, they are pretty much professionals," he says.

Courtney Tippett (12) says she enjoyed learning some new skills from the players.

"I asked for help with learning to sweep better."

Courtney plays for the Taranaki Under 15 hockey team and says it was awesome getting to talk to people who have gone far with the sport.

"I would love to be a part of that squad too," she says.

Troy Howells (10) says his highlight of the visit was getting his hockey sticks signed by the players.

"I had them all ready so I have something to keep their signatures on."

Nic, Aidan and the rest of the Future Black Sticks Squad are preparing for the Sultan Johor Cup competition in Malaysia on October 7, however the players said they were more than happy to take time out to meet the students.