High Spirits for Hockey Masterclass

On Tuesday 1^st March, we welcomed four groups of local Year 5 pupils to try their hand at hockey with our superb staff and student coaches.

Following an introduction to the game from Head of Hockey and former England squad player, Matt Richards, the schools got underway with drills led by Charlotte, Dan, Eddie, Sian and Sophie, all of whom play hockey competitively.

“I really enjoyed working with the students today; it’s been so much fun giving them a new experience and seeing them learning new skills which they might not have tried before.” commented Sophie in the Lower Sixth.

Practising control, ​different types of passing and ​moving with the ball, Dolphin School, The Ridgeway Primary School, Rupert House and St Teresa’s Catholic School, each took it in turns to work on a particular skill with a different coach.

Emily Lacey, PE Lead and Hockey enthusiast at St Teresa’s, reflected “I think, for our children especially, it’s good to get out, meet other schools and experience being coached by other coaches – often at a higher level as well; it’s good for their self-esteem, it’s good for their motivation and it’s good for their sportsmanship. Just seeing other facilities and what’s out there has really opened their eyes.”

Emily continued, “We did the rugby masterclass and were really impressed by that. I wanted to expose more children to the game of hockey as it is a sport that we have recently introduced… They’ve been so excited about coming out as their little hockey team to experience the game against other children!”

Teachers Helen Roberts and Rebecca Whitlock from The Ridgeway added, “The children really enjoyed it and it was well suited to their limited experience of the sport.”

To end the masterclass, Matt concluded, “Hockey is a brilliant sport​, as it’s a fast-paced game which requires a combination of athleticism and hand-eye coordination. It has been great to see all of you getting involved and trying new skills, whether you are new to the sport, or if you have been playing for a few years already. ​I hope to see you playing hockey on the senior school circuit in years to come, or even playing at club level.”

Having worked up an appetite playing two competitive games (Ridgeway vs St Teresa’s and Rupert House vs Dolphin), pupils enjoyed a hot chocolate and bite to eat in the warmth of the Cricket Pavilion.

“When we learn hockey back at our school we don’t learn as much technique. This really helped me with my passing and has been a very enjoyable experience! I really enjoyed the drill where we had to pass and then turn around and then trap the ball.” reported Daisy from Rupert House.

“I think my best moment was probably when we found out that we were going to play a real game at the end.” exclaimed Heloise from St Teresa’s. “It was the best day ever!” added Ollie from The Ridgeway.

Natasha Coccia, Senior Assistant Head: Partnerships and Co-curricular, remarked “Thank you to our student hockey coaches on behalf of the whole school community for sharing your passion and love of hockey with so many Year 5s this morning on the astro, and for braving the arctic-like conditions out there – you were truly amazing (noticeably kind and encouraging). I am so grateful to you all for being such wonderful coaches and ambassadors for LP, under Matt’s tutelage.”