Kate cheers for hockey team ahead of Olympics

Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge plays hockey with the Team GB hockey teams at the Riverside Arena in the Olympic Park in London, March 15, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

LONDON - Britain's hockey players enjoyed the company of a very special guest on Thursday as Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge, joined the men's and women's squads at the London 2012 Olympic Park.

The Duchess visited the hockey players in her role as an official Team Great Britain Ambassador for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Duchess, who was captain of her school hockey team at Marlborough College, was introduced to the members of both squads and presented with a bespoke hockey shirt and stick, before taking part in a light training session with a number of players on the newly laid bright blue Olympic hockey pitch at the Riverside Arena.

"It was brilliant to have The Duchess of Cambridge here today to share her knowledge and passion for the sport of hockey with us. She also demonstrated some real skill and talent on the pitch," said Kate Walsh, the captain of the women's hockey team.

"It is our ambition to make the whole country proud by winning a medal in the Olympic Games this summer. We are currently ranked fourth in the world and hope the enthusiastic support of the home crowd can push us on to achieve our goal."

Together with fellow ambassadors The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry, The Duchess will play an active role in supporting Team GB and Paralympics GB and inspiring young people to reach their full potential in the build up to and during the London 2012 Games.

Team GB London 2012 Chef de Mission Andy Hunt said: "Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge's presence at the Olympic Park today has provided Team GB and the sport of hockey with a fantastic boost ahead of London 2012.

"The ambassadors provide our athletes with a tremendous source of inspiration. We hope their involvement helps to spur everyone around the UK to get behind our Olympic and Paralympic athletes to become part of our team at London 2012."

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge plays hockey with the GB hockey teams at the Riverside Arena in the Olympic Park in London, March 15, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

David Faulkner, Team GB hockey team leader said: "The visit of The Duchess of Cambridge has had a great impact on the players today. She is clearly enthusiastic about hockey and we are very grateful for her support leading up to and during the Olympic Games.

"Both the men's and women's teams are aiming to reach the podium at London 2012 and we are putting everything in place to ensure that a successful Olympic Games can inspire the next generation to take up and enjoy hockey as a legacy of the Games."