TEAM GB Olympic gold medallist Hollie Webb visited Petersfield Hockey Club on Sunday to inspire the next generation of players.

Webb scored the winning penalty in the final to give the women’s hockey team the gold medal in Rio de Janeiro.

The team won all seven of their games before the final, and beat the Netherlands in a penalty shoot-out after a 3-3 draw to win the gold medal.

Since Rio the squad have been getting out and about to build on the momentum the gold medal has given hockey.

Webb said: “It’s massively important that we support grassroots clubs and try and inspire as many people who have either not played hockey before or play hockey and now dare to believe that they could get a gold medal.

“Everyone in the squad really enjoys getting round the hockey clubs and schools, because that’s where it started for us. I started at a hockey club like most of the girls did, and we loved it and that’s why we fell in love with the game and are where we are now.

“I have very fond memories of playing when I was younger and the more people we can get active, whatever the sport, the better.

“Rio gave us a platform and so many hockey clubs have been inundated with people wanting to now join and play hockey, which is great for our sport.”

Webb was also full of praise for the set up at Petersfield Hockey Club.

She said: “It’s really welcoming and it’s a really nice club with lots of friendly people, lots of good coaches and lots of enthusiastic juniors, which is great to see.”