Aircraftsman Andrew ‘Sio’ Seimann will be representing his home country Wales at the Hockey World Series this weekend.
Andrew, who began playing hockey at the age of nine, will join up with the Wales team for games against Ireland, Sweden and Austria in the three-day event to be held in Cardiff from Friday September 7-9 – the winners going on to compete in the World Cup.
A former firefighter, Andrew said: “I was looking for a career change, something that would challenge me further and decided to join the RAF following in the footsteps of my cousin.
“The work I did as a firefighter definitely helped me get through Basic Training at RAF Halton.
“In Llandudno we used to keep our kit and the Station in good order which is a big part of training in the RAF.
“The discipline you have to employ as a firefighter also helped me get to grips with all the skills in the RAF that need discipline too.”
The skills that Andrew has picked up or improved on in the RAF have helped his hockey game too.
He said: “Fitness, discipline and teamwork are the most important things that I’ve taken across to hockey. When you play hockey or other sports you have to work as a team.
“Hockey is a fast paced game so you have no time to argue with the umpires and coaches. You have to listen to orders and that is something that you need to do in the RAF too.”
Andrew’s achievement in hockey comes close on the heels of his success in recruit training.
At the end of the intensive nine-week course at RAF Halton Andrew was awarded two trophies in recognition of his performance in Physical Education and Initial Force Protection Training.
He said: “When I won the trophies it was a moment of pride and honour.”
