Samantha Chapman of Yr 4 had the amazing opportunity to train with the players of the Black Sticks Women's team.

Underway at the Ngā Puna Wai sports centre is a triangular hockey tournament between New Zealand, Australia and Great Britain. 

Featuring both the mens and women's teams, they also held training sessions for aspiring hockey players - and on Thursday Samantha was right in the thick if it, having a blast.

She did hockey bowling, King of the square, and practiced her skills. Then she got some photos and autographs from the players. 

Who knows, in a few years it might be Samantha in the middle of the photo, with the next generation of aspiring players seeking her autograph.

Good on you, Samantha. Oaklands kids out there enjoying sport.