VICKY Dean had more reason than most to get emotional as the Great Britain women’s hockey team scrambled their way to gold at the Rio Olympics.

The coach and captain of Bolton Hockey Club’s women’s first team is not afraid to admit she shed a tear as Team GB celebrated their first ever Olympic title.

That was partly down to the nerve-jangling climax of a see-saw final against the Netherlands, which the Brits eventually won on penalties after the match ended 3-3 following extra time.

Dean’s raw reaction was also at the recognition of the impact the historic victory could have on her sport – in fact all women’s sport – in this country.

But the self-confessed hockey nut also revealed a personal connection to the winning team that probably went under the radar for any viewer not a member of Bolton Hockey Club.

“One of our members, Tom White, is the brother of Nicola White, who scored Britain’s third goal, which forced the final into penalties,” said Vicky.

“They are not from the town, Tom and Nicola both live in Rochdale, but she has been down to training quite a few times and is a really lovely girl.

“I would have been nervous watching the final in any case because it was so close and such a tough game for Team GB to come through, but when you actually know someone playing, it just made it even more difficult to watch.

“To be honest, it brings a tear to my eye just talking about it.”

The success of the women’s hockey team, particularly the backs-to-the-wall display they produced to win the final, certainly seemed to capture the imagination of the nation.

And Vicky is now keen to capitalise on the exposure their victory has given her sport.

“I have had people who have never watched a hockey match before in their lives stop me in the street to say how much they enjoyed the final,” she said.

“I think there was just something about the determination they all showed not to give in against what was a clearly better team that really resonated with people.

“It is fair to say the Dutch hammered us in the final, but our girls just kept coming back.

“Their performance created such an excitement, there is a real buzz about hockey now.

“It has really inspired people, especially young children. If we could just grasp the opportunity it has given us to help grow the sport in our town, that would be brilliant.”

Bolton Hockey Club has around 200 members, with three men’s teams, two women’s teams and a host of junior sides.

The senior sides play their matches in Harper Green, where they also train every Tuesday evening from 7.30-9pm.

But ahead of the new season, which gets under way later this month, the club is also relaunching its popular back to hockey sessions for complete novices or people who have maybe not played since leaving school.

They take place on the all-weather pitch at Canon Slade School every Monday, with sessions for juniors, aged five to 15, taking place from 7-8pm and classes for anyone aged 16 or over from 8-9pm.

“I would like to invite anyone inspired by Team GB’s performance at the Olympics to come along and give it a try,” said Vicky.

“The emphasis is on fun, it’s not serious. We try to make it more of a social thing. People can learn a few skills and play a few adapted games, and if they want to get involved in something more competitive then we would point them in the direction of our team training sessions.”

To find out more call Vicky on 07720 716222 or check out the website at www.boltonhc.co.uk