THE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS HOCKEY FESTIVAL

HEADMASTER’S WELCOME

The Independent Schools’ Hockey Festival is always a highlight on the Independent Schools’ sporting calendar, and it is a pleasure to welcome staff, parents and boys to the St Alban’s campus. 

Thanks also goes to Robin Jones, the festival organiser, and Chicco Ponela who has been an integral part of our organising team, and Garth Turvey our Director of Sport, for their passion and organisation for this event. The fact that our fields and gardens are in such good shape, despite the significant amount of rain we have experienced, is a tribute to our Grounds Manager, Mr John Nkuna, and we thank him for all he has done to ensure that this festival runs according to plan.

There are several staff members and hockey coaches from schools who have attended this festival over many years, and I thank you for your commitment to the game and more particularly to this festival. Hockey has to be the most collegial sport as a player and as a coach and manager and I have many happy memories of times spent next to astros and the interactions on and off the field with colleagues and friends.

Our campus is situated at the foot of koppie and surrounded by indigenous bushveld, it is an absolute pleasure to play and watch hockey at this beautiful venue and it is a privilege to welcome all the participating sides and fellow schools from around the country. The rivalry, collegiality and camaraderie displayed over many years at this festival, reverberates through the decades and it is always a pleasure to welcome all the participating schools, as we celebrate the wonderful game of hockey. There is a rich legacy of competitive sportsmanship and positive interaction over a long period of time, and it is always a privilege to welcome old friends, staff, particularly those who have attended and supported this festival for several years, parents and boys to our beautiful campus.  

We are delighted that many parents have travelled from around the country to join their sons and we sincerely hope that you will enjoy all that Pretoria has to offer. Please take advantage of our hospitality, relax and enjoy yourselves and do not hesitate to ask our staff or boys should you have any queries or require any assistance. @thegreyandblue, situated above the Leseding Astro where all the action will take place, will be open throughout the festival, offering a selection of snacks and a cash bar for your convenience. Further down David Butcher Drive, at the Tom Hamilton Wellness Centre, the Tuck Shop will also be selling a variety of snacks. For those looking for a great cup of coffee, our Festival Coffee Partner, XO Coffee, will be serving next to the Leseding Astro.

Enjoy the highveld sunshine, enjoy the collegiality that this festival is known for and enjoy the competitiveness on the field and the relationships and friendships you build as the festival unfolds.

Kind regards,

Shane Kidwell
(6th Headmaster, St Alban’s College)