As the EuroHockey Indoor Junior Championship, Men - Lisbon 2017 approaches, it is time to get to know the main characters of the event taking place between 13th to 15th January.
 
David Gordon Collier, EuroHockey Lisbon 2017 Technical Delegate, kindly shared his thoughts about the incoming tournament, as well as his opinion about the hosting country, Portugal.

 
As the EuroHockey Lisbon 2017 Technical Delegate, what do you expect of this tournament?
The tournament is an important stepping stone for many junior players progressing to senior national teams both for indoor hockey and outdoor hockey. Many of the players will be hoping that they and their country will qualify for the next Olympics in Tokyo, so we should see some of the most promising hockey players in Europe at this event.  Indoor Hockey is an exciting format of our sport and I hope we shall see some great matches, plenty of goals and, as Chairman of the FIH Rules Committee, I look forward to seeing how some of the recent changes to our Rules are working.

Can you explain your role as Technical Delegate for those who barely know about the structures of these big tournaments? 
The TD works closely with the Local Organisers and with the European Federation to ensure that the event runs smoothly, provides excellent promotion for the sport and is fair to all teams. I will be working closely with the Umpire Manager to appoint the officials and to complete their assessments at the end of the tournament but, above all, the TD is there to support and assist the players, the teams, the spectators and the media in getting the maximum enjoyment from the event.
 
Have you ever visited Portugal or Lisbon? 
Yes, I have visited both Lisbon and Faro on a number of occasions and I had an involvement with the airport operations in Faro a number of years ago. The last time I visited Lisbon three years ago I was fortunate to win a golf tournament at Oitavos Dunes which is a wonderful golf club along the coast. The area is also home to one of my favourite restaurants in the world at Azenhas do Mar, which has one of the most spectacular views situated in a cliff lined bay where the waves crash to the shore and you can enjoy some of the freshest seafood in the area. 
 
What do you think about the country/city?
Portugal has a proud history and there is so much to see and do in Lisbon - I am sure everyone visiting for the first time will have a wonderful stay, be grateful for the mild winter weather and will thoroughly enjoy the warm and friendly welcome from the local people.