England call-up for Perse hockey player

Thomas (Year 11) hopes to hit it big after being named in the England boys’ U16 hockey squad.

After taking part in a series of trials, Thomas has been selected for a 27-strong group, which will be broken down into smaller squads to compete in a number of tournaments in 2025.

He said: “I’m really excited. I kept refreshing my emails as I waited to hear and when I saw I was in the squad, I couldn’t believe it. I’ve been working hard for a long time so it’s very rewarding.”

Having been put forward for an observation day by coaches at Cambridge Talent Academy in May, Thomas was then invited to trial for the England squad after an impressive display for his team in the England Hockey Talent Academy Festival in Nottingham, which saw them come joint-third overall out of 24 sides.

Thomas, who plays for National League hockey for Cambridge City men’s 1st XI, as well as the club’s junior teams, admitted he found the trial process tough at first before settling into the rhythm.

He said: “It was quite nervy to start with, but I think everyone was feeling like that and the coaches probably know it will be like that.

“By the second day of the first trial, I felt more confident and was playing better. As well as matches, we did quite a few one-on-one and two-on-two drills just to see how you would look within a system.

“As the trials went on, it became more friendly as everyone got to know each other and how we played with other people.”

Thomas, who plays as an attacking midfielder or forward, said he was relishing the prospect of meeting up with the England squad for monthly training sessions at Lilleshall and Bisham Abbey.

He said: “I hope it just improves me as a player because the coaching has been unbelievable and I’m looking forward to having that experience of playing at an international level.

“In previous teams, I’d been one of the best players, but now I’m with players who were all the best players on their teams. At first it was difficult to realise everyone here is as good as each other, but you get to understand how people play and what the coaches are looking for.

“I’m just hoping we can come together to play some really good hockey. It should be a lot of fun.”