RGS Girls’ Hockey Teams Head to National Finals Day!
RGS Girls’ Hockey Teams Head to National Finals Day!
We are thrilled to announce a remarkable achievement for our RGS Girls’ Hockey teams – all three teams have secured a coveted spot in the National Finals Day! This marks a historic first for RGS, showcasing the exceptional talent and dedication within our hockey programme.
The journey to Finals Day has been one of determination and teamwork. Participating in the Independent Schools Hockey Cup (ISHC), our girls have faced off against teams from across the country, demonstrating their skill and tenacity throughout several rounds of intense competition, earning their places in the finals at Nottingham Hockey Centre on Tuesday, February 6th.
Each team represents a different age group and competition category: the U13s in the ISHC Plate, the U15s in the ISHC Cup, and the U19s in the ISHC Plate. It is a testament to the depth of talent and the strength of our hockey programme that all three age groups have reached this level of success.
Special recognition goes to our coaches – Rob Field, Sam Taylor, Tom Russell, and Lindsay Browning – led by Rebecca Wickham, whose guidance and support have been instrumental in the teams’ success.
A particularly heartwarming aspect of this achievement is the journey of Emily B, our current Hockey Vice-Captain. Beginning her RGS hockey career playing up a year, Emily has been a consistent force within our program, embodying the spirit of dedication and perseverance. Alongside her teammates, including 1st XI Captain Lucy D, Emily’s journey comes full circle as she leads her team to Finals Day in her final year at RGS.
Emily says “I was lucky enough to be involved in the U13 all the way from First Form – which was the first time the school won Nationals. It was 7 aside, on what now seems like a tiny pitch, but it was one of the most exciting moments of the year for me. I remember the U15s running on the pitch to celebrate our victory. Fast forward a year, and I had the privilege of being the captain for the U13s team with high expectations that we could go back and win the trophy again. A year on, I remember matching jumpers; breakfast as a team before the game; going up together on the coach and all the supporting parents on the sideline cheering us on. We arrived at the ground with the confidence that we could win the trophy again with the talent we had in our team. The semi-final made us realise that this was definitely not going to be straight forward, as we fought back from 2 goals down to win 5-4. This, however, prepared us well for the final as we had already overcome the toughest opponents, and we won convincingly 5-0. Going back and re-living this, makes me realise how much I want the team to be successful again this year”.
2024 Girls Independent Schools Hockey Competition at Nottingham Hockey Centre Nottingham, England on 6 February 2024
1st XI Captain Lucy says “I feel so lucky to have been part of the U13 team that won the ISHC National Final in 2017 and, in our last year at school, it feels like we have come full circle. I feel unbelievably proud to captain the U19 team this year, many of whom were there on the day we lifted the trophy 5 years ago. I remember so vividly the journey, the breakfast, and photos we had before leaving. As a group we were eager, with a real determination to win. The RGS staff kept us calm whilst our parents were not so cool on the sidelines! I remember the final whistle going off, and the realisation that we had won sunk in. The celebrations that followed and lifting the trophy as a team were such special memories that I remember so fondly. It feels quite emotional being in this position at the end of my RGS hockey journey and the excitement and buzz amongst the team is unbelievable. We have really bonded as a group, and we can’t wait to go out there again and do our best to make everyone at RGS proud”.
2024 Girls Independent Schools Hockey Competition at Nottingham Hockey Centre Nottingham, England on 6 February 2024
Congratulations on this incredible achievement of representing RGS on the national stage.
See the highlight of their day in Nottingham in this short film.
