Magazine 2019

118 certainly an entertaining aspect for the spectators and with more local schools showing interest in joining this league, it will certainly build up to be a valuable source of development and growth. Parklands created additional playing oppor- tunities for our children by entering an A, B & C team per age group in the U/9 – U/12 five-a-side soccer league. Our U/9 D team was also entered into the local U/9 8-a-side outdoor soccer league.This was a wonder- ful gesture as our soccer players had loads of fun while taking on a game with differ- ent challenges, rules and playing styles on a smaller playing enclosure with fewer players involved. It certainly proved to provide a valuable platform for players to improve fitness levels, inten - sity, techniques and skills. HOCKEY Parklands Hockey players were exposed to intense skills and technique orientated training sessions throughout the season. Our U/11 hockey girls once again delivered outstanding performances as they outplayed the opposition in most of their local league encounters. Our U/12 team also impressed as they worked extremely well as a unit and delivered a high standard of half field hockey this winter. Our Hockey teams were also exposed to matches on Astro turf at the Bridge House and Kenridge festivals which brings different skill sets to their game.This season delivered much excite- ment with so many players eager to participate and excel. Our girls were committed and showed dedication as they competed extremely well in top schools’ hockey festivals.The valuable input from our coaches as well as team managers along with the opportunities to compete against respectable hockey opposition contributed immensely towards the growth of our hockey players. Our teams all have the same aspirations and that is to achieve unbeaten seasons and to play for each other as well as the badge on their chests. CRICKET Parklands cricketers were excited and looking forward to an action packed and challenging sum- mer season as cricket fixtures were re-installed after the severe drought experienced in 2018 when cricket fixtures and theWestern Province cricket league were put on hold for the safety of the play- ers. Cricket is a unique and very special game which plays an important role in the education and development of a young boy. It is a team game that teaches discipline, manners, etiquette and most importantly perseverance.The game of cricket is one of the best levellers e.g. a boy scoring a fifty in one match and then failing to score in another. It teaches boys to focus and concentrate.A lapse of either could cost a wicket or runs. Parklands U/9 – U/12 A & B cricket teams were entered into the midweek cricket leagues where our players recorded respectable performances throughout the summer season.The U/12 A team was also entered into theWestern Province U/12 Premier League where matches are played on Saturday mornings.This league provides the oppor- tunity for Parklands cricketers to commit to their school team on weekends and experience cricket at a higher level.The U/12 players showcased and applied their skills with greater intensity and focus which contributed to impressive performances against some well-known local cricket clubs. Our U/11 and U/12 cricketers attended the North District cricket trials where a number of Parklands cricketers where included in the District pro - gramme, taking their game to the next level. If you train hard, you’ll not only be hard, you’ll be hard to beat. - Herschel Walker