Santiago Freixa

It all began 6-7 years ago with the idea of helping poor kids develop themselves by playing hockey. It has since flourished with two academies, one for boys and one for girls, giving youngsters the chance to play the game as well as benefit from an education, accommodation and food. Santi describes the organisation as amazing adding it helps society develop itself giving children a chance in both education and sport. What a career it’s turned out to be for the 30-year-old from Terrassa. In keeping with family tradition he was given a hockey stick when he was born and after growing up playing hockey in his grandmother’s garden he joined Atletic Terrassa. In common with so many internationals, hockey runs in the family with his father having played club hockey while Santi played alongside his brother Oriol in the 2006 World Cup in Monchengladbach. And for those with a decent memory, three uncles (the Escudes) from his mother’s side played in the Olympics with a fourth, David Freixa playing in the 1992 Games. So it was hardly surprising when young Santi was called up aged 17 to play against the Netherlands in 2000. “It was incredibly special” he said. “Making my debut in my home town and playing against the Dutch who were an amazing team – I was just a kid!”

“I remember our coach Maurits Hendriks saying to me that I could be a great player but at the moment I was no-one. I ended the summer as a big player, a senior player ready to take responsibility.” He picks out Philipp Crone, the former Germany captain and defender as one of the most difficult opponents he has played against along with the Bloemendaal pair Thomas Boerma and compatriot Rodrigo Garza. Born in Spain, he has played for the mighty Amsterdam club for much of his career. Fluent in Dutch and English, he has a Dutch girlfriend and works for a Dutch consultancy firm. He admits he’d love to be injury-free and intends remaining in the game. His sights are set on the 2014 World Cup and then he will think about the difficult decision to retire.