At the start of term, our U11 Girls' hockey team travelled to the Olympic Stadium at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London, for an evening of skill-building, leadership, and match play alongside Haileybury’s elite hockey programme.
The event began with a focused training session led by Rob Schilling, Haileybury’s Head of Hockey, who oversaw a series of technical drills designed to sharpen core skills and tactical awareness. Rather than directing every detail, Rob empowered the girls to take ownership of their learning, encouraging peer-led leadership and decision-making throughout the session.
Matches followed on the half pitch, where pupils competed in short, fast-paced games. These were not played for trophies or rankings, but for the sheer joy of competition and the opportunity to apply skills in a dynamic setting. Each team was captained by one of the girls with past pupil, Chloe Ridley, stepping up to lead our squad with poise and confidence.
After match tea at the Olympic Stadium café, the evening culminated in a full-pitch fixture between Haileybury’s 1st XI and the Hockey Mentors team—a match that featured Chloe once again, this time representing Haileybury in a high-level competitive environment. Our girls and staff stayed on to cheer from the sidelines, soaking up the atmosphere and gaining insight into the demands of top-tier school hockey.
It’s not just about technical development—it’s about building character, resilience, and leadership. Giving the girls space to lead drills and captain their teams helps them grow in confidence and take real ownership of their game. The energy tonight was fantastic, and it’s clear these pupils are ready to step into the season with purpose.
The evening was a powerful reminder of how sport can foster independence, teamwork, and pupil voice. With the new term underway, our U11A Girls' hockey team returned to school inspired, energised, and ready to lead both on and off the pitch.
