IHS Pupils Selected for England Hockey Talent Academy

Congratulations to Elias, Annabel, and Lara who, after a rigorous selection process, have been selected for Talent Academy. We are very proud of what you have all achieved.

Elias E-M

How long have you been playing hockey?
7 years.
How did you get into hockey?
I first got into hockey at my primary school.
What are your top highlights from your playing career so far?
One of my top highlights so far is that I have made so many new friends along the way from all around the region.
What is your super skill?
My super skill in hockey is having the ability to be able to pick out my teammates almost anywhere on the pitch.
What are you most looking forward to at TA?
I am most looking forward to the journey this year at the TA.
Do you have any rituals/processes you must do before playing?
One warm up I like to do before a game is when with a partner, I do short snappy passes.
What advice would you give to younger hockey players in school?
Make sure you practice as much as you can, whether that is on or off the pitch. And don’t let others put you down.

Annabel B

How long have you been playing hockey?
Four years, when I joined Ipswich High.
How did you get into hockey?
My parents both love playing hockey, so I used to go along and watch lots of their matches. When I joined IHS, hockey was one of the main sports, so I wanted to do more of it. I joined Sudbury hockey club where my parents played and really enjoyed it!
What are your top highlights from your playing career so far?
Getting into UK Lions, they are an absolutely amazing group of girls, and it’s so much fun playing with a very talented and skilful group!
What is your super skill?
Probably a reverse/tomahawk or the wonga wonga, an elimination skill!
What are you most looking forward to at TA?
I want to become more physical and stronger, so playing with players up to the age of U18 will really help build my strength and power on and off the ball. Also, at TA everything is done at such a high intensity so I will be working really hard and giving it my everything!
Do you have any rituals/processes you must do before playing?
I always like to have salmon, rice and broccoli the night before a game. Sometimes I tie my laces up and visualise how the game or training is going to go. When I make a mistake during a training session or game, I always allow myself 3 seconds to think about it, but then I have to move on!
What advice would you give to younger hockey players in school?
I would say, work hard in everything you do, it takes no skill to go out there and give it everything you’ve got!

Lara H

How long have you been playing hockey?
6 years.
How did you get into hockey?
There was a girl in my year 3 class who played hockey and she talked about it on show and tell and I was inspired by her and decided to turn up to Felixstowe hockey club.
What are your top highlights from your playing career so far?
Playing in the UK Lions tournament, it was so fun and such an amazing experience.
What is your super skill?
Driving down the wing.
What are you most looking forward to at TA?
I’m looking forward to the quality of training and the intensity of it. I’m also looking forward to playing with such amazing and talented teammates. I want to improve my decision-making whilst off the ball, like making leads and stacking in the D.
Do you have any rituals/processes you must do before playing?
No. I turn up and play. I have a very relaxed approach to my games.
What are you most looking forward to at TA?
Keep working hard and give it your all in training and game play.