TEAM GB’s Olympic hockey hero Hollie Pearne-Webb gave the thumbs up to pupils at Dame Allan’s Schools as they strutted their stuff on the catwalk.
The defender who struck the winning penalty in the shoot out to secure gold for GB in the Rio Olympics 2016 visited pupils at the Newcastle school as they modelled their brand new sports kit in a fashion show at Newcastle Falcons’ Kingston Park.
Her visit was scheduled through her role as Performance Director for kit manufacturer Squadkit and included a coaching session with some of the Schools’ hockey players.
Hollie, who also helped England to bronze in the EuroHockey Championships by being named player of the tournament, said: “I had a fantastic day at Dame Allan’s Schools on a Squadkit ambassador visit, meeting lots of enthusiastic students and teachers who are clearly passionate about sport.
“The pupils looked really smart in their new performance sportswear kit from Squadkit.
“I feel lucky to be able to visit schools across the country as Squadkit Performance Director hoping to inspire the next generation. I always come away inspired by the young people I meet, who have so much passion and dedication for their sport.”
The visit from Hollie was a real treat for the Schools which have a long and proud record of success in hockey. Their Under 15 team were crowned league champions this season and their Under 14, 16 and 18 sides were all runners-up.
Pupils got to speak to one of the sport’s hottest properties and were inspired by her story. They were also able to get their hands on Hollie’s prized Olympic gold medal and EuroHockey bronze.
Caroline McBain, Director of Sport at Dame Allan’s, said: “It doesn’t get better than having one of the best female hockey players in the world visit your school! The pupils were overawed to have such a high profile star here, and she was so down-to-earth and great with the children.
“The new kits from Squadkit look absolutely fantastic and our pupils are going to look the part when they are in PE lessons and when they compete against other schools. It’s important our sports teams represent the Schools in a professional manner, and they will certainly look professional in the new kits.
“The fashion show at Kingston Park was a way of showcasing the new strips in a fun way, and the pupils who took part were great sports.”