We spoke to two of our U16 National finalists, Eashan P. and Noah B. on how they are feeling since qualifying for the national final. Here is what they had to say about their journey.
How are you feeling to have made it through to the U16 National Final?
Eashan: “Elated and especially hopeful that we can defeat our opponents at Lee Valley. It’s been difficult making it with a few people injured and exams around the corner, so getting this far feels extremely rewarding.”
Noah: “I am very excited about making it to the U16 National Final and the opportunity that awaits. I am really grateful to have such a positive, dedicated team surrounding me full of like-minded people who have a real desire to win. Although there is a lot of buzz surrounding the event, I think it is still important to maintain focus on the end goal and really securing what it already such a great achievement.”
When you arrived at the Senior School from the Prep, what team were you in and how has your journey been?
Eashan: “I initially played in the B team and had to work my way up to the A team in the Divisions. It’s been a great experience, and I especially enjoyed the number of fixtures and game time I have had over the past few years.”
Noah: “It has been a tough time with injury, especially mentally, but I am really thrilled to be back on the pitch again. At times it has been difficult watching big playing opportunities pass me by, but at the end of it all, it is just good to be back. Coming back in the semi-final was difficult and came with quite a reality-check but now that I have dealt with that, I am now focusing on regaining my confidence. I think the main thing that helped was not completely detaching myself from the sport. Low intensity skill work and staying within the team atmosphere allowed me to be able to slot back in – I have been able to maintain resilience and stay motivated.”
What helped you at the Prep in preparation for hockey at the Senior School?
Eashan: “Personally, it was the time spent practising core skills, such as receiving the ball securely, and learning to pass efficiently that helped me the most. The THL on Tuesday evenings was equally helpful as I met many players from other schools, some of whom I currently play with, and learnt to connect with them. I was in the A team at the Prep, and experienced competition there for the first time. It meant that when I joined Taylors’, I joined knowing that I would need to fight for a place in the team.”
Noah: “The Prep gave me a solid foundation and with the help of the sport staff, I was inspired to join OMT Hockey Club. I developed from there. The focus on the enjoyment factor was a major motivation to me, and the more I played the sport, the more I developed. The connection between the Prep and Taylors’ is very strong, which made the transition to Taylors’ hockey much more fluid. I felt like it meant that I had teammates whom I already recognised, building the strong team atmosphere which we have now.”
What makes hockey special at Taylors’?
Eashan: “Players are completely comfortable to ask for advice on how to improve their game and can therefore improve very quickly. VEO recordings of the matches, along with the associated feedback and analysis upskills us, helping us to reach places like the National Final!”
Noah: “Hockey at Taylors’ is special for numerous reasons. The number of matches, cup fixtures and hype surrounding the First Team in Hockey is something that makes you want to strive to one day play in the best team. The Senior Hockey Team are especially great role models to the younger boys and I think that strive to want to be like them was a major factor for me. Alongside that, the mix of caring teachers and determined teammates is something that is very rare. The balance between personal development and team success is something that Taylors’ handles very effectively.”
How are you feeling and what are you going to do in preparation for the cup final on 23rd April?
Eashan: “I’m feeling confident in our ability and believe we can take home a victory as long as we keep training. We have some training sessions and then a match between now and the game, so we should be prepared for the final if we remain consistent.”
Noah: “With the National Final closing in I hope to continue my journey back to full fitness and really work on my ball skills and decision-making, which are quite rusty since my return from injury. As well as this, I will need to work on my overall fitness especially due to my position being in midfield. I can sense a real hype around the event and I have high hopes for the fixture. That being said the journey has been brilliant and regardless of the outcome, numerous memories have already been created.”
