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Hockey
Aim
We aim to deliver a hockey programme that allows pupils to strive for excellence in an enjoyable and positive environment. The high quality of coaching and facilities enable every pupil to develop their hockey skills and enjoy competitive match play regardless of ability.
Hockey is played as the main sport for boys in the Lent Term throughout all year groups; with the exception of the Year 9 boys who play in the Michaelmas Term. Pupils joining in Year 7 play “mini hockey” (7-aside on a smaller pitch) where the emphasis is on individual skill development and understanding of the rules of hockey. As pupils move to Year 9 we switch to the 11-aside version of the game where greater focus is placed on tactical awareness whilst still emphasising the importance of individual core skill development. Once pupils reach the senior teams much more emphasis is placed on developing consistency of team play and maximising individual performance through physical conditioning and video analysis.
The traditional values of hard work, commitment, unpretentious manners and sportsmanship are all held in high esteem, complemented by the total commitment of the coaching staff to individual needs, personal welfare and every pupil’s enjoyment of the game.
Coaching staff
We have an excellent team of coaches, several with national league playing experience including current Great Britain international Glenn Kirkham. Many of our coaches play for clubs in the Cambridge area which greatly helps with the integration of pupils in to the local club system.
Teams
In the Lower School we have eight teams allowing every pupil the opportunity to play in at least one school fixture. In Year 9 we field six teams, Year 10 three teams, Year 11 two teams and then 1st, 2nd, and 3rd XI teams in the 6th form.
All teams play competitive outdoor fixtures against a well established and strong fixture list. These fixtures include schools such as Felsted, Bishops Stortford, Gresham’s, Oundle, Uppingham, Ipswich, Norwich, Bedford and The Leys. Teams are also entered in to the EHB Schools Championships at U14, U16 and U18 age group levels.
During the Michaelmas Term we place greater emphasis on indoor hockey across all age groups and enter the U16 and U18 National Schools Championships as well as playing friendly fixtures against other local schools and clubs.
Achievements
The Perse has achieved success consistently over recent years at national level in hockey.
Most notable achievements include:
2005 – U14 Boys National Schools Outdoor Champions
2007 – U16 Boys National Schools Indoor Champions
2008 – U16 Boys National Schools Indoor Champions
2009 – U18 Boys National Schools Indoor Champions
2010 – U18 Boys National Schools Indoor Champions
2010 – St George Sixes Champions
2011 – U18 Boys National Schools Indoor Semi Finalists
Tours
Pupils have the chance to travel on a hockey tour on numerous occasions as they move through the school. In the Lower School we attend the Gresham’s School Easter Festival which many of the top schools in the area attend. In Year 9 we tour the West Country for 3 days where the team play a series of high quality fixtures and also get the chance to watch a Mens National League fixture. At U18 level the boys have the opportunity to travel on the Holland Indoor Hockey tour where the team play against top Dutch and Belgian teams over a 5 day tour.
Talented individuals
Pupils who show a keen interest in hockey are encouraged to join local clubs and those showing strong abilities are put forward for regional assessments. In recent years the school has produced a number of talented individuals who have gained county, regional and even international honours. Adam Miller and Michael Franklin both represented England U16’s and U18’s between 2008 and 2010.
