RGS Pupils Score Big with Pro League Matches and Hero Encounters

On Sunday 18 June, 45 RGS Hockey players, from Years Seven to Lower Sixth embarked on a trip to the Lee Valley Olympic Park to watch two International Hockey Federation Pro League matches. 

The competition serves as a qualifier for the Hockey World Cup and the Olympic Games. In the sell out stadium pupils watched GB women take on the United States. GB took an early lead but as predicted by some of our pupils, USA got back into the game to finish 4-2 to GB with a spectacular show of Hockey.

In between matches pupils had the opportunity to meet the players and gain signatures. Maddie Hinch, England and GB Goalkeeping hero was presented with her international retirement cap and kindly came to meet the RGS pupils and have a photo.

Next up the GB men’s team faced Spain, in a fast and thrilling game they won 3-0. Year Nine pupil Daniel Kilby-Tyre gained the fortunate opportunity to step out onto the Olympic pitch at half time to take on fellow spectators in a goal scoring challenge, an extremely brave feat in front of thousands of spectators looking on. 

Also present at the Lee Valley Olympic Park was Year Ten pupil Lexie Hubbard who had the role of ball patrol on the pitch, delivering the ball quickly to players as it went off the side line in both the womens and men’s games. It was also a pleasure to witness our very own Head of the Athlete Development Programme, Miss Walton receive her retirement cap in the half time presentation to celebrate her international career on behalf of the Hockey museum. 

The day provided an excellent opportunity to inspire and educate pupils about Hockey at the elite level, something we hope will have an impact on the forthcoming 2023-24 Hockey season.