A hockey player at Bishop’s Stortford College has been selected to play for the Wales U16 National Age Groups (NAGS) squad.
Alex James was chosen to play for the U16 NAGS squad after an intense trial, which took place in Cardiff during the Christmas holidays.
The NAGS training programme prepares junior athletes for the demands of international hockey, covering technical, tactical, lifestyle and mental skills as well as strength and conditioning.
Alex was introduced to hockey at the age of 7 during his PE lessons at the Bishop’s Stortford. Although he was a Herts County tennis player until the age of 12, his passion for hockey soon took over at age 11 when he joined Bishop’s Stortford Hockey Club. He was selected to join the County team within a year.
Alex played with the Bishop’s Stortford Hockey Club until 2019 when he moved to St Alban’s Hockey Club, and was selected to join the Men’s National League Squad within just a few months. He now trains with this team twice a week and plays matches almost every weekend (school fixtures permitting).
On top of his continued commitment to the St Alban’s Men’s National League squad, Alex’s NAGS training involves sessions in the Wales Satellite Centre in Woking, plus further training in Cardiff during each school holiday.
Alex has also gained sponsorship from Gryphon, a specialist hockey kit and equipment brand.
Graham Brooks, U16 Indoor Hockey Coach at the College, commented: “This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication Alex shows to his hockey. He is a highly skilled and determined hockey player who, at left-back, was instrumental in our indoor success this year. We’re really proud of his selection and cannot wait to see what the future holds for him.”