Writes Jack Middleton, Director of Hockey
Our stunning hockey facilities became a hub of energy and collaboration last week as we hosted two brilliant community sports events. Driven by the leadership of our outstanding Sixth Formers, local primary school pupils had the opportunity to develop their skills at our Hockey Outreach Days.
On Wednesday afternoon, we were delighted to welcome the whole of Merchant Taylors’ Prep Year 6 for a special Hockey Development Day.
The afternoon provided pupils with an exciting opportunity to experience hockey at the Senior School, with our Sixth Form students taking on the role of coaches. The Year 6 pupils worked through a range of skill-based activities before putting what they had learnt into practice during small-sided games.
We were also delighted to offer a specialist goalkeeping session for MTP’s new and aspiring goalkeepers, led by 1st XI goalkeeper Aryan G. (U6ths). This provided the pupils with an excellent introduction to the position and the opportunity to learn from one of our senior players.
Alongside the action on the pitch, I spoke with parents about the exciting hockey programme awaiting pupils who join us in September and the opportunities available to them as they progress through the School.
It was wonderful to see our senior pupils taking responsibility for coaching and beginning to build relationships with younger pupils from the Prep School. Everyone had a hugely enjoyable afternoon of hockey, and we look forward to welcoming the Year 6 pupils back onto the hockey pitch again soon!
Then, on Thursday, we were delighted to welcome 287 pupils from local state primary schools to Taylors’ for another fantastic day of rugby and hockey.
Arriving at 11.00am, the pupils began with 90 minutes of rugby, developing their skills through a range of fun activities and games. After a well-earned lunch, attention turned to hockey, with a further 90-minute session rounding off an action-packed day of sport.
Throughout the day, all sessions were delivered by our Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth students, who were outstanding ambassadors for the School. Their enthusiasm, confidence and ability to engage with the younger pupils highlighted the fantastic qualities of our Sixth Formers, as they used their knowledge and experience to give back to the local community.
There were smiles on faces throughout the day, while the visiting teachers were full of praise for the quality, enthusiasm and maturity of our Sixth Form coaches.
This was the fifth year and twelfth event of its kind, and the programme continues to grow from strength to strength. It was another brilliant example of sport bringing our community together, providing hundreds of local primary school pupils with a memorable experience, while giving our own students the opportunity to develop their leadership and coaching skills.
We are now looking forward to next week, where we will be hosting the Year 4s from the Prep for another fantastic afternoon of hockey at Taylors’. A huge thank you to everyone who was involved in making the day such a success!
