10 June 2011

Work experience article - "European success would be proudest moment in Leicester's history."

Leicester's Katie Long believes European success would be the proudest moment in the club's history.

The English champions take on domestic rivals Slough today in the semi-final of the European Cup in Holland.

The domestic season finished in April so the team have been training hard since in preparation for today's game.

Long said: "It's been difficult because not everyone can always be at training because of international commitments in London.

"With the quality of players here, international commitments come with that. But we have dealt with it all season, so it is nothing new.

"We played a practice game against Wales Under-21s and won 2-0, but there is still room for improvement.

"We've had some really good training sessions and everyone was able to attend, which has put us in good shape.

"We also played against England Under-21s, which was our final game before heading out to Holland."

On board the plane to Holland yesterday were the likes of Long, Crista Cullen, Lauren Turner, Hannah MacLeod and Chloe Rogers.

Long, a long-term injury absentee, should be available for the clash against Slough, while Leicester coach Chris Mayer is hoping Crista Cullen recovers from an ankle injury.

Long believes if their hard work pays off and they are successful in Holland, it will dramatically raise the profile of the sport in Leicester.

She said: "In Leicester, football and rugby get the headlines so it would be good for people to recognise we are up there with them.

"We are trying to raise the profile of a woman's sport, especially ahead of the Olympics next year. It would be great if we got some recognition.

"It would be fantastic and a proud moment for the club if we can do it because it's the pinnacle of club hockey.

"In 2007 we got so close to winning, but now we have got perhaps our best squad ever.

"A number us have been lucky enough to win medals with England, but to replicate that with the club would be brilliant because there are a number of us who have been here years and years without doing so."

It is not just the players who Long wants success for.

She said: "About 30 of our parents and family who were there in the last round have paid to come out and support us again, and it's great for them to experience it too.

"We just hope to get the win."

Leicester won 3-0 at Slough and drew 0-0 at home during the domestic season, so they go into the match as slight favourites.

If they get through to Sunday's final, Leicester will meet either Den Bosch or Larensche, who play in an all-Dutch semi-final.

No comments: