Haileybury pupils score a spot on the England Hockey squad

Lower Sixth pupils Tabitha and Scarlett have recently been selected to play in the extended England Hockey squad. The selection process took place in October 2020, which involved a three day trial across the country. 900 girls took part in the trials, but only 40 were ultimately selected; including Tabitha and Scarlett.

Both pupils started their Hockey careers at Haileybury, where they have had the chance to work alongside ex Hockey player and Director of Hockey Mr Schilling, to hone their skills further. Tabitha started at Haileybury during Middles and quickly became a part of the U16’s Hockey team. Before the pandemic, they successfully went through the season unbeaten, which was extremely rewarding for all of the players involved.

“My move to Haileybury was so important in my Hockey development. Not only did it give me access to fantastic facilities, but the coaching and support I have been given by Mr Schilling and Mr Searson has been instrumental to me reaching the England Squad. Before Covid-19, I joined the U16’s team and we went through the season unbeaten. It was a fantastic way to start my first term at Haileybury and gave me a chance to practice with high-quality players.” Said Tabitha.

Scarlett is a sports scholar and joined Haileybury in Lower School; she has been playing hockey since the age of seven. As a sports scholar, Scarlett has been able to take part in our High Performance Programme (HPP), where she has been given expert guidance and additional hockey coaching, alongside strength and conditioning training.

“The England Hockey team take fitness very seriously, and I have certainly benefited from the work I have done under the tutelage of Mr Satt in the gym. I have continued to receive support and encouragement from the Haileybury hockey and fitness staff. I am really looking forward to this milestone in my playing career.” Said Scarlett.

Congratulations to both pupils on this fantastic achievement, we are very excited to follow their journey in the extended England squad in the coming months.