Three pupils at Bedford School have been selected for the U17 England Hockey Performance Centre squad for 2020/21.
Will Hayward and Arthur Proctor in Year 9, and Joshua Stewart in Year 11, were all chosen to train on this prestigious programme after trials in September at Merchant Taylors’ School in Northwood.
The England Player Pathway forms part of England Hockey’s talent development strategy, and players selected for the programme have the opportunity to train in an environment that helps realise their potential and encourages them to be the best player they can be. Whether that be learning coaching skills or ultimately going on to play for England or Great Britain, the hockey provision at Bedford School has prepared a number of boys over the years to follow this route.
Will Hayward, who was selected for the U15 squad and has been playing hockey since he was in Year 4 of Bedford Prep School, said: “I’m very excited to have been selected; there are lots of excellent coaches and I will get the opportunity to play with players from other counties. I’m also looking forward to the chance of playing in the Futures Cup at the end of the season.”
Futures Cup is the pinnacle of the England player pathway programme, and from there players can then go on to play in national age groups.
Director of Hockey at Bedford School, Mr Sam Mee, said: “Hugely proud to see three of our boys make it through to the England Hockey Performance Centre this year. These players have worked hard at their game and now get to continue their development within the England Hockey Player Pathway. I am excited to see how they improve as a result of being part of these squads, and look forward to seeing them represent the school next term.”