Inspiring youngsters on and off the pitch
Durban North sisters and teachers coach their KZN coastal sides to inter-provincial success.
SPORTING excellence, conversations about hockey and the odd wayward hockey stick are never far away from the Pearton dinner table. Indeed if you had to list the top 20 sporting Durban North families, the Pearton’s would surely make the cut. Teachers, KZN hockey players, Riverside Hockey Club members, and in one case a member of the national squad at the U21 hockey world cup, the duo of Lauren Klingbiel (née Pearton) and Kerry Pearton, have firmly etched their names into sporting greatness.
The sisters recently coached their KZN coastal sides to inter-provincial success. Younger sister Kerry took her U16B side to victory while Lauren took her U13B KZN squad to victory. Lauren’s team was particularly impressive winning all eight games played, scoring 23 goals and conceding none.
“For me teaching and coaching are two ways of giving back to youngsters and motivating them to dream bigger. It’s not about the money or the glory but inspiring the leaders of tomorrow. You have to be firm but fair. It’s such a blessing to have my younger sister who I play with at club level and who I’m able to share techniques with as a provincial coach,” Lauren explained.
Lauren teaches at Glenashley Preparatory while Kerry teaches at Northlands Primary. The younger Pearton sister explained how their love for the game started.
“Our love for hockey started at a young age. We have our parents to thank, they were always encouraging us and never missed a single game of ours. Our dad even built a mini astro turf complete with a net on our roof and we used it to practise and hone our skills.
“Whenever me and Lauren get to together we invariably start talking about hockey and tactics on the field. Our younger sister has banned us from talking about it at the dinner table,” Kerry joked.
Incredibly, their younger sister Tracy also starred on the astro turf and has also represented KZN at provincial level. All three of the sisters have played together at club level. “It’s such a privilege for me to swap ideas and be able to play with each other. It has been a blessing and a surreal experience to train with three people who love the sport so much,” Kerry said.
