Harry, 17, is back from an 18 day, seven day tour with the Australian All Schools under 16 team that took in the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Germany. Harry played all seven matches and also received the coach’s award at the end of the 4 Nations Tournament featuring Australia, the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. Here Australia finished second to Netherlands, with Harry scoring two goals in the four matches.

“Hockey’s huge in Europe,’’ Harry said.

“I really want to go back and play there one day.’’

Harry’s confident he's returned a better player.

“Definitely, I learned heaps,’’ he explained.

“They play a different style of hockey to us. It’s cleaner and probably more skillful.’’

The compares with the Australian game, which Harry said is fast and physical.

The Australians flew into Amsterdam and were based there for the initial part of the tour, Harry admitting this was something of a culture shock. They also left the Australian winter so the 30 plus temperatures in Europe were a pleasant change.

He said the team members had the opportunity to mix with their opposition – they stayed in the same hotel as the Netherlands players during the 4 Nations while they were also involved with junior coaching sessions with their German counterparts.

The Australians also toured the facilities available to clubs in Europe, which Harry said were ‘amazing,’ and just another reason why he wants to return one day.

They also attended the men’s Hoofklasse final playoff between Rotterdam and Kampong as well as a women’s match while in Amsterdam. Former Kookaburra coach Graham Reid, who is now based in Amsterdam spoke to the group and gave some insights into what is required to play at the highest level.

“We also met ex-Kookaburra player Michael McCann, who is now coaching the MC Mannheimer club,’’ Harry said.

The flights to and from Australia were as boring as Harry anticipated they would be while he experienced jet lag for the first time. But he appreciates it’s something he’ll have to contend with again if he wants to play on the other side of the world.

Harry’s been looking forward to the tour since he was selected towards the end of last year following the Australian championships.

However, he is sure rest of the season won’t be an anti-climax as he wants to put the skills he picked up in Europe into practice. He plays premier league in Sydney and Newcastle and when time allows, with defending champions Chatham in the Mid North Coast competition.