HOCKEY: Louden takes on head coach role at Castle Hockey Club

Twenty-eight-year-old Louden, a keen hockey player since the age of 10, is not only a self-confessed hockey fanatic but also a general all round sports fan citing football, rugby, and golf amongst his many other interests.

A fully qualified level two hockey coach, in addition to a successful playing career with Instonians, his background in coaching is already varied having worked in Europe and the UK with a range of players. He has also worked with Instonians, the Ulster Under-18 squad, the Ulster Hockey Talent Development Programme and their High Performance Team.

Most recently, in the women’s game, Louden sees his greatest achievement as winning the Ulster and Irish treble last season with Queen’s 2nd XI.

Speaking to the Times, Louden clearly relishes the challenge he now faces with Castle HC.

“I’m very happy to be a part of this exciting new merger and I’ve already been impressed by the number of keen and talented players at Castle; something we’ll definitely need in a very competitive league structure, particularly Senior Two where our 1st XI will be competing this season.

“I’m seeing a good blend of experience at the club and, with several new and returning players now coming on board to play for their local town, there’s a real buzz about the group.

“I’m really excited about the new season and can’t wait to see what happens.”

Pre-season training commenced in earnest at the beginning of last week with the Castle players now training three times a week to build up their fitness levels and develop new skills and techniques under their new head coach.

This demanding programme will continue throughout August, combined with a number of pre-season friendlies when a Castle Ladies 1st XI select will compete against Ballyclare Ladies (August 20), Larne Ladies (August 27), and Victorians (September 10).