Hockey: U12s impress at national festival

Our U12 boys and girls have both enjoyed a great start to their Senior School playing careers and the inaugural ISHC U12 Festival proved the perfect end to a successful season.

Held in Nottingham over two days earlier this month, both squads went into the tournament with the confidence of an outstanding playing record; 16 wins, 2 draws and just one loss (on penalties in the Cheshire Final) for the girls, and a 100% record of 15 wins from 15 matches for the boys, as well as the NW and North of England titles – both indoors and outdoors – to their name. 

A wet first day saw both teams start well.

The girls ended the day with three wins and two draws. The boys won their first two matches but suffered their first loss of the season against Whitgift, before showing real strength of character to come back and win their final match of the day against Reed’s School.

On day two, the rain stopped and the sun came out, and both teams continued to impress against some tough competition.

Two wins and two draws for the girls on day two gave them an impressive overall tournament record of five wins, four draws and no losses. 

The boys played four matches on their final day, winning all of them and ending the tournament with an impressive record of seven wins and just one loss.

Coach Chris Ashcroft accompanied the teams to Nottingham and was very pleased with their performances on the pitch. 

He said: “It was an absolute pleasure to take part in the ISHC’s very first U12 Festival, giving the boys and girls important experience of playing against national competition. 

“Both teams did themselves and their coaches proud. 

“The boys’ playing record in the event was second only to Whitgift, and the girls should be incredibly proud of their unbeaten run in the tournament. 

“I’ve said before that the future of hockey at King’s looks bright, and the performance of our youngest players at this tournament, is proof that we can very optimistic!”

The teams are pictured below.