Content material Courtesy of FIH

With the subsequent Olympic hockey tournaments set to happen in Los Angeles, USA, in lower than two years, the FIH spoke solely to the hosts – the U.S. Males’s and Girls’s Nationwide Groups – once we met them on the FIH Hockey Nations Cup earlier this yr. In the present day, is the interview from Allan Regulation, USMNT Head Coach.

FIH: Allan, what does taking part within the Olympic Video games imply to you?

Allan Regulation: It brings a smile to my face. The thrill, the “as soon as in a lifetime alternative” for a lot of athletes and workers, is unimaginable. Internet hosting a house nation’s Olympic Video games – within the U.S., the place sport is on the coronary heart of society – is actually spectacular. It’s also daunting, contemplating the place we’re coming from. We wish to be certain that we’re aggressive and ship a robust efficiency. This can require a substantial amount of onerous work.

Now we have related with lots of our previous Olympians who’ve expertise of their house nation’s Olympics. The tales they share and the recommendation they’ve given us are really outstanding.

FIH: As a coach, what will likely be your main areas of focus over the subsequent two years?

Allan Regulation: Bodily conditioning and growth are essential; taking part in at that degree and in opposition to such opponents, we’ll in all probability should be the fittest workforce on this planet! We additionally should be exceptionally good at defending – defending actually low – and be one of many world’s finest counter-attacking groups.

FIH: Which legacy would you just like the LA28 Olympics to go away for discipline hockey within the U.S.?

Allan Regulation: One objective is to seize the hearts of the nation. If we succeed, we’ll construct larger help and create extra alternatives for male athletes to wish to play discipline hockey within the U.S.. This can pave the way in which for future Olympics, enabling us to qualify for Video games held outdoors our house nation and constantly attain the highest 15 on this planet rankings. Attaining this could enable us to qualify for World Cups and compete for gold medals at occasions such because the Pan American Video games.

Our legacy lies in creating a robust Olympic pathway, with strong U-21, U-18, and U-16 groups, and a broader base to make sure the long-term sustainability and progress of this system. Internet hosting the Olympics at house permits the whole nation to look at us play and witness the eagerness and love now we have for the sport. I at all times say that to be a male discipline hockey participant within the U.S., it’s important to love the game greater than anybody else on this planet, as hockey is predominantly a feminine sport in our nation.

FIH: Exactly, what would you say to a younger boy to encourage him to play discipline hockey?

Allan Regulation: That is the golden query, is not it? Most of my mentors within the U.S. are ladies, and they’re extremely supportive. Our sport and workforce are very numerous, with gamers of various ages and backgrounds. I consider discipline hockey is probably the most technically and bodily demanding sport on this planet, and it additionally stands out for having a very welcoming group. It is rather satisfying to play as a result of you’ve got a lot help round you.