By Ross Carter
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THE message of the London 2012 Olympics has been a clear one - "Inspire a Generation", and this spirit has definitely been adopted at Tamworth Hockey Club. In a worthy gesture of recognition, Great Britain Hockey allocated the club with several pairs of tickets for Team GB Men's Olympic opening match versus the Argentines, at the impressive Riverbank Arena. As a sign of equal good will on behalf of the club, the tickets were subsequently given to the junior members of the club - A fitting reflection of the Olympic slogan. A number of tickets were also given to the junior coaches; the internal cogs that continue to drive Tamworth Hockey Club forward.

But if there is one thing to encourage both seasoned and aspiring hockey players alike, then watching the worlds most talented players on the greatest stage of all is most certainly it. On the evening of July 30th, the junior members of Tamworth Hockey Club made their way to the capital to witness their sport on a whole new level. A near 15,000 strong crowd took to the stands adorning the unique blue and pink astro-turf, affectionately dubbed “Smurf Turf” by fans. The striking Olympic Stadium provided the perfect backdrop as Team GB kick started their Olympic campaign in rampant fashion, claiming a 4-1 victory against an undercooked looking Argentina.

The games tempo for the night was set quickly when Matt Daly neatly worked the ball into the back of the Argentinian net in the fifth minute, only to watch his efforts overturned upon review, giving Tamworth's junior players a unique first hand view of the modern game at work. Undeterred, Great Britain continued to apply pressure and were rewarded with a goal by Captain Barry Middleton, who capitalised on Argentina's Ignacio Bergner's two-minute sin binning. The crowd too played their part, with both sets of fans helping to elevate the teams with a series of mexican waves, relentless noise and cheerful anthems courtesy of a much appreciated four-man band.

The second half saw Great Britain raise the tempo even further, putting three past goal keeper Juan Manuel Vivaldi in just twelve minutes - goals coming from Fox, Smith, and a second for Team GB’s golden boy Barry Middleton. Argentina could do little to spoil the party for Great Britain; a late short corner converted by Ibarra proving to be the only tarnish on an otherwise positive statement of intent for the home nation.

The evening proved an unforgettable occasion for Tamworth’s junior players. Not only did they get chance to soak up the fabled atmosphere of the Olympic Park, but were able to watch their sport being played at a bafflingly high standard, and see first hand how the international language of field hockey is one that everyone can enjoy.

The junior section would like to say a sincere thank you to Tamworth Hockey Club for giving them this once in a lifetime opportunity experience the London 2012 Olympics.