February 2026

Hockey as a bridge between worlds: Alliance in Sri Lanka

Thanks to a successful fundraising campaign through MHC Alliance, we, the Smulders family, set off on a special mission to Sri Lanka: to share hockey equipment and our passion for the sport with a local school. It was an unforgettable day full of sport, emotion, and special encounters.

A warm welcome and the official handover
With bags full of hockey sticks, a complete goalkeeper’s uniform, and other equipment, we arrived at the Dharmapala Vidyalaya school in Pannipitiya. The reception was overwhelming: we received flowers, shook countless hands, and were welcomed by a guard of honor of hockey sticks. After a table laden with delicious, typical Sri Lankan dishes and a welcome speech from the principal and captains, it was time for the official moment. We proudly handed over the bags full of sticks, balls, and the complete goalkeeper’s uniform to the visibly grateful school administration. Then it was time to head to the field!

0

From artificial turf to parched grass
The field was a bit of an adjustment for us Dutch. Instead of a rigid water-based field, the children trained on a large, hard, and parched grass pitch under the blazing sun. The heat, however, didn’t dampen the fun; sixty enthusiastic children were eager to get started. For many, it was a magical moment when they received their very first stick from us. The impact on the school was also significant: where they previously had only one goalkeeper bag, we were now able to leave a second, allowing for serious training.

The clinic and the ‘world star’
Roos and Keet started with an energetic warm-up, after which Bart and Tijn took over the hockey drills. The talent was palpable; a few children even play for the national team, and the goalkeeper proved to be almost impassable!

1

A unique dynamic developed between training sessions. Keet, a peer with blond hair, quickly became the center of attention. She was treated like a true world star; between drills, plenty of selfies were taken, and a line soon formed for autographs on notes and hockey sticks. Ultimately, the entire Smulders family was asked to pose for photos as “paparazzi targets,” which led to lots of laughter and a wonderful connection between the two cultures.

1

More than just a game
The day concluded with enthusiastic games and the presentation of diplomas, personally signed by Bart. Tired, satisfied, and with a head full of impressions, we look back on a successful day. Thanks to all the donations from Alliance, we not only provided these children with new equipment, but above all, with fun and self-confidence.

1

It was powerful proof that sport speaks a universal language that brings people together, no matter where you come from. Alliance, thank you for your contribution to this unforgettable adventure!

Roos, Tijn, Keet, and Bart

Our unforgettable trip to Sri Lanka.

Last summer, Sven Westendorp and I (Tess Niessen) enjoyed a fantastic five-week tour of Sri Lanka. A journey full of impressions, encounters, and special moments. But what made this trip truly unique was our five-day hockey clinics in collaboration with Sri Lankan Hope for Children.

Along with a group of wonderful volunteers, we spent five days introducing children to our passion: hockey. Months in advance, we were busy collecting sticks, clothing, protective gear, and shoes at our club, V.M.H.C. Cartouche. Everything to ensure the children there could experience how special it is to play hockey.

44eef845-941b-4d67-bf5b-a071a5784908

And special it was. For most of the children, it was something completely new, but for us, it was a chance to share our love for the sport. Their enthusiasm, eagerness to learn, and big smiles made every clinic unforgettable. The sense of gratitude and the tremendous hospitality we experienced were heartwarming – something we can learn a lot from in the Netherlands!

The best gift? The children’s beaming faces and their genuine joy on the pitch. And perhaps the most touching: the question that kept coming back – “When are you coming back, Miss?”

An experience that will stay with us forever and one we will never forget.

Tess and Sven