Phil Gooderham talks about Welsh expectations

Women

Phil Gooderham, Coach of the Welsh team, talks about his team expectations for the European.

Portuguese Hockey Federation (PHF): What are Wales goals for these events?

Phil Gooderham (PG): We are looking to continue to develop our International experience of Indoor hockey having returned to play in France two years ago. This tournament also gives us an opportunity to give chances to younger players ready for them to move up into the senior squads. Our overall goal is to try and finish in the top three which will be better than our position two years ago.

PHF: What do you think will be your main opponents in the competition?

PG: All teams will be our main opponents, there are a number of  teams who have had experience of higher levels of european Indoor competition and have played Indoor for a long time, so every game will be tough. It is important we learn quickly and play hard to try and make good games.

PHF: Is this your first tournament in Portugal? What do you know of our country?

PG: Yes this is our first tournament in Portugal, although some players will have been to Porto with their club team. I know Portugal can be very hot and that you have a lot of tourist visitors especially in the south. Hockey is a developing sport in Portugal and Portugal have been in higher divisions of Indoor european hockey. WE are very much looking forward to visiting Portugal and enjoying the culture.