Peffermill hosts Commonwealth Games preparation camp
Last week, the Scottish Women's hockey team held a training camp at Peffermill to help them prepare for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
As well as the making use of the world-class hockey facilities on offer at Peffermill Playing Fields, the six day camp saw the Scotland Women's squad stay at the University accommodation at Pollock Halls and enjoy a meal plan designed and delivered by Edinburgh University Students Association Head Chef Nadeem Akhter. Head of Trading Operations at the Students Association, Paul McBride, said:
“We were delighted to offer our support to The Scottish Women’s Hockey Team in the final training week. Our Head Chef Nadeem worked closely with Chris Duncan and his team to provide a menu that satisfied all nutritional and dietary requirements, as well as offering something a bit special to the team prior to the games starting. We were delighted that we were able to showcase what the students association can deliver and the talent that we have within the team. All the best of luck to the team and we hope they can bring back a medal!”
University Connections
There is a strong University feel to the Scotland Women's squad with 7 players out of the playing squad of 18 having a connection to the University. International Relations student Eve Pearson is joined by University of Edinburgh Sport Hall of Fame inductee (2021) and Olympic Bronze Medal winner, Sarah Robertson, who will captain the team. Other University alumnae selected include Nicola Cochrane and Louise Campbell. Associated athletes Katie Robertson, Amy Costello and Jessica Ross will also be looking to make an impact at the games.
Alumna Laura Swanson has been selected as one of the five reserves.
Scotland Women's Head Coach Chris Duncan is also a graduate of Edinburgh and is also currently studying a PHd.
The staff at The University of Edinburgh made our prep camp an unbelievable success. Coupled with the incredible first class facilities, we were made to feel right at home prior to travelling into the village to begin our time as part of Team Scotland. Peffermill has been our de-facto home for the programme this year and it was brilliant to have the home comforts alongside the incredible support of the team during our final preparation phase
A stunning send off
The training camp was rounded off with an incredibly special and emotional shirt presentation ceremony to the players. Taking place at the University's St Trinnean's room, at Pollock Halls, it marked their transition from being Scottish Hockey’s National Squad to becoming part of Team Scotland for the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Director Sport at the University of Edinburgh, Jim Aitken, was delighted to be invited to take part in the ceremony.
We were delighted to host the Scottish Women's pre-games training camp, especially as so many of the players and staff have a connection to the University. And to be invited to present the players with their official playing kit was a total privilege and thrill. The whole are all truly inspirational and we look forward to, with the rest of the University community, cheering them on at the games. Thank you also to our University and Student Association partners for helping make the camp such a success.
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