Douglas does bit to nurture talent

Life is pretty hectic for Whangarei Black Stick Laura Douglas, but that's the way she likes it.
Douglas was named in the Black Sticks squad last year after a two-year absence from international hockey, and recently played in the three-match series against the world-ranked No2 Argentinians, in Hamilton at Easter.
The Kamo High School health and PE teacher returned to Whangarei in time for school holidays, and immediately donned her coaching hat, alongside Black Sticks Development players Alana Millington and Nicky Howe, to help with Northland Hockey's holiday programme.
"It's an initiative to get kids to want to play hockey, improve their skills, and get them thinking about the game," Douglas said.
About 80 children attended sessions held over four days in Whangarei, plus another 40 in Kaikohe last week.
"I think interest in the game is growing in Northland because of the series against Argentina held here last year, especially as there are seven Northland players in the Black Sticks, plus those in the development team."
Northland representatives Ella Gunson, Sam Harrison, Anna Thorpe, Charlotte Harrison, Jasmin McQuinn and Stacey Michelsen are in the national squad, alongside Douglas.
Although she did not play against Argentina in Whangarei last year, Douglas played all three matches at Hamilton and Tauranga this year.
While they lost the last two matches, it was a good test to see if they could cut it against one of the best sides before their Champions Trophy, World Cup and Commonwealth Games campaigns later this year, Douglas said.
"It was really challenging it felt really good when we won that first one.
"We had no fear and took it to them but we held off in the second one and lost badly 6-0.
"But we were pretty happy with it as it showed we could be competitive, and what we need to work at - mainly our fitness, tackling and not giving possession away, as well as getting outcomes in the attacking circle."
The 27-year-old was really enjoying being back in the black dress, playing alongside such a focussed, enthusiastic and young bunch of girls.
"I'm getting more experience and I'm really enjoying this campaign and the team environment, and Mark [Hager] is such a good coach. I'm learning so much - you're never too old to learn," she said.
The Black Sticks next campaign is a five-match series against India, at Palmerston North, Napier and Wellington, from May 15-23.
 
Meanwhile, Douglas will line up for her premier grade club side Old Girls, in a double header this weekend, starting with Kamo High School on Saturday at ITM Rosvall Stadium, followed by Whangarei Girls' High School, on Sunday - both matches start at 12.20pm.
Also on Saturday, Girls' High face Springfield (1.50pm) and Maungakaramea play Hikurangi (3.20pm), while on Sunday, Springfield play Maungakaramea (1.50pm), and Hikurangi go up against Kamo, at 3.20pm.
Premier men's hockey continues on Saturday at the stadium, featuring a rematch of last year's grand final, Springfield versus Maungakaramea at 4.50pm.
It will be followed by Mangapai up against Bream Bay United, from 6.20pm.