MEMBERS of Farnham Roller Hockey Club were invited by the Alverca club in Portugal to practice with their U17, U20 and senior squads.

Farnham’s players thus had the opportunity to learn from professional youth coaches and exchange ideas on how to improve their roller hockey.

Roller hockey is extremely popular in Portugal and players are taught to skate from a very young age.

The Farnham visitors were given a brief history of the Portuguese club, its humble roots starting in 1972 on an outdoor concrete rink to the 1980s when a world champion, Sergio Silva, came from its ranks.

Alverca now have a stunning sports arena and produce many professional players.

The Farnham players then began a strict regime of practice sessions, with the Portuguese coaches giving detailed feedback on aspects of the game that they could improve upon.

It was a great experience for Farnham who completed the week by watching a professional match in Lisbon, where they found the speed and skill of the players overwhelming.

An official ceremony celebrated the newfound friendship between the clubs and Alverca invited Farnham’s youth and senior players to return for their own prestigious tournament.

Farnham Seniors captain Matt Carey said: “It was an overwhelming and humbling experience to be there. Everybody was so welcoming and we will always appreciate the opportunity we had to practice in such excellent conditions and with such skilled players. We look forward to consolidating this relationship between our two clubs.”

Alverca’s players and coaches look forward to visiting Farnham in turn and helping develop the sport.

To find out more about Farnham Roller Hockey Club, visit www.farnhamrollerhockey .co.uk