This April, our College hockey and tennis teams embarked on an unforgettable European tour, travelling through the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. Over the course of 14 days, our boys were immersed in high-level international training, played competitive fixtures against top clubs, and experienced the rich culture and history of three European nations.
Our U16A and Blues hockey teams played seven matches each, taking on leading clubs including Hockey Club Amsterdam in the Netherlands, Victory Hockey Club in Antwerp, Belgium, and Düsseldorfer HC and Uhlenhorst Mülheim in Germany. They also enjoyed training sessions with Dutch and German coaches, learning from some of the best in Europe while refining their technical and tactical play.
Meanwhile, the tennis squad began their tour in Amsterdam, where they trained at the prestigious KNLTB (Dutch Tennis Federation) facilities. Practising on clay courts, a new and exciting challenge for many of our boys, they received expert coaching that expanded their game. The squad continued their development in The Hague at Mariahoeve Tennis Club, where focused sessions and match play deepened their competitive edge.
A standout highlight for the hockey teams was a fiercely contested double-header against Westlake Boys’ High School from New Zealand. Westlake performed the traditional haka before each game, charging the atmosphere with emotion and intensity. Our boys rose to the challenge with two hard-fought victories, showing true South African spirit and sportsmanship.
For the tennis boys, a major highlight came in Cologne, where they competed in the Cologne Open Tournament, a high-level international event with strong opposition. The boys played with grit and composure, gaining invaluable tournament experience that will serve them well in future competitions.
But the tour wasn’t all training and matches. Both squads enjoyed cultural highlights in each city, from a canal cruise in Amsterdam and a bike tour through Delft, to sightseeing in Hamburg and shopping in Antwerp’s city centre. These moments off the court broadened their perspectives and added another layer of fun.
Our boys were outstanding ambassadors for St John’s College and South African school sport, earning praise from coaches, opponents and hosts in every city. Thank you to our staff who accompanied our young sportsmen, and whose support, guidance and good humour made the tour possible. We also extend our thanks to #OldJohannian Moabi Malebye (Nash 1997), owner of TravelPA, for curating this seamless and professional excursion for our students.
Everyone has returned with sharpened skills and memories that will last a lifetime. Well done to all involved. We are proud of you.
