Olympic bronze medallist Sally Walton urged members of Cheltenham Junior Hockey Club not to "give up on their dreams" when she attended their end of season award ceremony.
Walton, part of Team GB's hockey squad in the 2012 Olympics, encouraged the youngsters to work hard for what they wanted, whether it was a success in sport, their studies or other hobbies and reminded them "not to underestimate the importance of family and friends" on their path to the top.
The awards evening, held at the Lilley Brook Golf Club, marked the end of a successful season for the 210-strong hockey club, which fields teams from Under-Nines to Under-14.
The season's success included the Under-14 girls who were undefeated in the Avon League and, as undisputed champions in all their matches, are now hoping to head to national finals with their 12 county players and one regional talent.
The mixed Under-Nines team won their league, the Under-14 boys are through to the regional rounds of the national competition and the semi-finals of the Avon League, and Will Hewer has been selected for Under-15 England training, a year ahead of his time.
During the evening, Walton, 31, presented bronze, silver, gold and goalkeeping certificates to the club's youngsters as well as Player of the Year and Most Improved Player plaques in each age group.
She also told the youngsters about her start in hockey, aged seven, and the highs and lows that ensued through her career to date, culminating in her bronze medal and her goal scored against Japan from defence.
Club chairman Steve Hewer reiterated Walton's message of dedication in thanking the volunteers who make the club possible.
His 2013 Chairman's Award was given to lead coach Angie Pearce for more than 20 years of work on the junior and senior sides.
Pearce, in turn, awarded the Alice Glennister Young Leader Award to Tom Mitchener, who trained in the junior section to age 14 and then returned to coach and umpire the youngsters in his late teens, providing an excellent young role model.
Cheltenham Juniors are always looking for more volunteers to help with coaching, team management and umpiring and welcome anyone who has time to invest in nurturing Cheltenham's talent.
If your hockey is a bit rusty, there's a Back to Hockey session run every Monday night from 7pm in Brockworth and if your qualifications are out of date, CJHA are willing to train you up.
Please contact cjha.membership@hotmail.com for further information.
