PUBLISHED 31 October 2024
AKS has enjoyed another successful term on the team front with the U14, U15, U16 & U18 teams progressing well in the National Schools and Independent Schools competitions but we are also celebrating individual successes with 5 players being selected for the England Hockey NW Talent Academy.
In addition to enjoying team representation at National Finals for the last few years AKS also prides itself on the promotion of individual player development and their progression through the Talent Pathway ranks to England selection and again this year the school can boast 5 more players starting this journey by being selected for the North West Talent Academy.
Many of the AKS young hockey players aspire to follow in the footsteps of former AKS players Mollie M who progressed up from England U16, U18 and then on to winning a World Cup bronze medal with the England U21 squad and Goalkeeper Anya Ja who was selected to play at England U16 , U18 and U21 level.
Following on from superb progress and development last year along with superb performances at the Talent Academy Cup in the summer Year 11 pupils Amelia H and Sophia M have again been selected as members of the 28 strong squad from across all on the NW.
The school GK Club can also now boast all three Goalkeepers in the NW TA , no doubt inspired by ex-pupil Anya J, as Sophie S continues to show her potential by being selected for the second year and she is joined by fellow Year 11 Niamh M and Year 10 Emily B who have been selected for the first time. Selection for the girls is the just reward after many hours of training at the AKS GK Club working with England Hockey GK Coach, Kay Hanham.
All the girls will now be training hard throughout the year to continue their development and hopefully gain selection for the Talent Academy Cup next July.
The GK Club can also boast more representative success as three keepers have recently gained County selection. New to the position but proving a real talent is Harriet B who has been selected to play for Lancashire U12’s whilst Faye J has been rewarded for me tremendous commitment to practicing in goal at school and club with selection for Lancashire U13’s and Jenay G gains selection again moving up to the U14 squad.
We wish all the pupils every success for the season.