Tranby Sporting Success 2021

INTRODUCTION

Examination success is only part of the picture. Sport creates a vibrant atmosphere and helps all pupils to flourish and enjoy their time at school.

In this publication we celebrate the achievements of pupils who have been successful in competing at County and International Level. Our excellent facilities - indoor and outdoor - mean we can offer a wide variety of games and sports and support pupils in their continued success outside school.

CONTENTS

Headmistress, Alex Wilson 3

Equestrian - Holly, Year 13 4

Cricket - Max, Year 9 6

Rugby - Tom, Year 10 7

Cricket - Adam, Year 10 8

Alumni 11

Rugby - Will (Alumni) 12

Rugby - Jude (Alumni) 13

Football - Lincoln, Year 3 14

Football - Bobby, Pre Sixth 15

Football - Reuben, Year 8 16

Golf - Bobby, Year 8 17

Golf - Will, Year 12 18

Golf - Oliver, Year 8 19

Hockey - Ashlyn, Year 10 21

Hockey - Bethan, Year 10 22

Hockey - Ruby, Year 10 23

Hockey - Timmy, Year 10 24

Hockey - Evelyn, Pre Sixth 26

Hockey - Jorgi, Pre Sixth 27

Welcome to this ‘Sporting Success’ publication highlighting the range of sporting talent of our pupils throughout the School and amongst our alumni community. Many of our pupils not only represent the School in a range of sports fixtures against other schools, they also train with and play for clubs at local, county and national level. We understand that exercise complements all other aspects of school life, and try hard to make sure that they can all co-exist well. We therefore celebrate sporting successes and nurture the potential of those involved in club sport through encouraging training outside of school and even through flexibility of timetabling to allow additional training for our very top sportsmen and women. The discipline, persistence, hard work and determination to succeed demonstrated by each pupil represented here is to be admired. I hope you enjoy reading about their journeys and we look forward to watching them all continue to flourish.

ALEX WILSON HEADMISTRESS

Citius, Altius, Fortius Vires acquirit eundo Nil satis nisi optimum

‘‘Riding is a big part of my everyday life, it gives me a sense of achievement and it’s something to do other than schoolwork. I enjoyed competing for the School team as it was a different challenge although it was much different to competing at national level.’’

HOLLY YEA R 13

Holly went on to join British Show Jumping and started to ride competitively on her 12.2 hands pony until she was 12. Holly represented England several times at Home Pony Internationals winning two golds and a bronze. At this level the team is made up of 4 riders from England competing against Wales, Scotland and Ireland; at a young age Holly was cutting her teeth in a competitive world. Holly qualified for all major national finals including Horse of the Year Show and Olympia which has stood her in good stead when pressured situations arise.

In 2017, Holly went to Spain and rode on the Sunshine Tour. She was the youngest under 16 on her brother’s horse, Golly Girl. She secured several great placings and finished second in the Grand Prix, narrowly beaten by the last rider. The success that followed was incredible. She was selected for Great Britain to jump in two different Nations Cups; the first was in Belgium where Holly was the best performing team member and helped the team win bronze. In the second Nations Cup, Holly won an individual bronze medal in the Grand Prix and out of seventy-two competitors she was one of the best children riding horses in Europe.

Holly was selected for Team GB for the European Championships in Slovakia. Only four people were selected to ride for Team GB in England, Scotland and Wales. Holly qualified on Rexter d’Or for the Charles Britton JA Classic which qualified her for the British Masters; only thirty people qualify for the final in Great Britain.

Holly was based in Belgium where she entered three international shows. This prepared her for the European selection process for the Pony European Championship Team, for which she was selected.

It was a hugely successful summer for Holly riding for Team GB at the Pony European Championships in Strzegom, Poland. Not only did Team GB win Silver, Holly took the Silver medal riding her beloved Rexter d’Or, a 14 year-old grey stallion. Holly and Rexter d’Or entered the Individual Final in equal first after having been one of only four combinations able to deliver three clear rounds across two competitions.

Holly won Leading Pony Rider of the Year at the British Showjumping Awards Ball in October 2019. Almost 400 guests attended the Ball to celebrate an array of nominees and winners from grassroots level all the way up to the members of the Bronze Medal winning European Championship Team.

Holly started riding at the age of 3 on her pony, Joey. Even at a tender age it was very apparent that she wanted to be independent and so she joined the local pony club.

MAX YEA R 9

Max is a right-hand batsman, leg spin bowler and occasional wicket keeper. He plays for his club cricket at Louth Cricket Club in Lincolnshire where he has been a junior member since 2015.

Having progressed through the age groups over the years he will now play his club cricket in 2021 in the under 15s leagues, although he enjoyed his first games for the men’s 2nd team last year securing his place in the side for the duration of the shortened 2020 season. He has also been playing county cricket for Lincolnshire since 2017 and has captained his age group side from under 11s through to present.

Max was also pleased to be selected to join the Emerging Player Programme (EPP) in 2019 which offers a small group of county players further opportunities to train throughout the winter and develop within the player pathway.

Whilst Lincolnshire is not known as a hotbed of county cricket, he has been fortunate at his club to be a part of a newly formed academy under the progressive guidance of ex-England Women’s International Arran Brindle. Arran has not only delivered a high level of coaching for the juniors, but taken them out of the region for two overseas tours (cricket festivals in La Manga, Spain 2018 and 2019) as well as regular guest

County cricket has also enabled Max to travel around the country, playing cricket on beautiful grounds against quality opposition from both the minor county network (Norfolk, Suffolk, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire) as well as the first-class county circuit (Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire). He has also enjoyed two county tours to the highly respected Holbrook Festival in Suffolk.

Max has always been a keen follower of the game and has been a regular at international games since he was about 6. With English cricket in fairly good shape these days, a strong test side and World Cup winning one day side means he has been spoilt for role models over recent years with Root, Buttler and Stokes leading the way. Ollie Pope and Jason Roy are current favourites whilst Virat Kohli (India) and Kane Williamson (NZ) continue to set the standard for young cricketers.

‘‘The School has been very supportive of Max with his cricket commitments both in and out of school and have encouraged him to enjoy and embrace all the opportunities that he has been presented with.

As a lover of all sports, including football, rugby, hockey, tennis, athletics as well as cricket, Max welcomes the variety, and has enjoyed the multi-sport programme that the School offers.

appearances at festivals in Skipton and Beverley).

TOM YEA R 10

Tom loves all sports and has been playing rugby since he was 6 years old, when he started at Hull Ionians. He was their top try scorer year on year in the Mini/Junior section, scoring 82 of the 120 tries his team scored in one season! He has represented Tranby at rugby since Year 3 and has captained the team since Year 7.

aving been nominated by both Mr Henderson and his head club coach at Hull Ionians, to go for trials for the RFU’s England Regional Development Player Programme, Tom attended three trial days in Spring 2019. Competition was fierce, with several hundred boys from across the whole of Yorkshire trying out but Tom was fortunate enough to be selected to the programme.

The Yorkshire programme commenced at the end of Summer 2019 and continued through into Spring 2020, until sadly the Covid pandemic brought an untimely pause to all rugby activity across the country. Training sessions did briefly start again in January, but quickly stopped as the country entered another lockdown. Very frustrating!

Tom has thoroughly enjoyed his involvement in the programme so far and enjoyed both training with some of the best rugby players in the county, as well as receiving top level coaching from some of the RFU’s top coaches. Tom remains committed to the Development Programme and along with the rest of the squad, is looking forward to continued training and some upcoming games against other regions, as and when the restrictions are relaxed.

TEACHER, MR HENDERSON

‘‘Tom is an impressive young man and always takes pride in representing the School at all sports, but of late he has channelled his energy into his rugby and captained a very successful year group (Yorkshire Cup quarter finalists), his knowledge and understanding of the game is great to see and we can’t wait to see the level to which he can hit.’’

‘‘I enjoy all ball sports, but nothing tops rugby. The combination of the pace of the game, the tactical aspects and the team spirit can’t be beaten.’’

PE

ADAM YEA R 10

Adam’s cricket journey had an unusual start, being quite young and far from the UK. Between the ages of 2 and 7 Adam lived in Malaysia. Although the country is not well known as a place where cricket is played, there is a significant ex-patriate community which includes nationals from major cricket playing countries.

One ex-patriate organisation, the Malaysian Australia and New Zealand Association (MANZA ) had a cricket team with a junior section that practised every Saturday. Adam’s older brother, Samuel, attended these sessions and Adam tagged along to watch; he would also get his dad to play catch, developed his throwing and tried out a few shots - even though the smallest bat there was way too big for him.

By the age of 4, being a spectator and messing around with dad was no longer enough for Adam and he was allowed to join in with the older boys at the end of the session, padding up in over size equipment as even the juniors played with a regulation hard ball.

Returning to the UK in January 2013, Adam joined Tranby and, along with his brother, started to practise with Beverley Town Cricket Club. At this time Adam’s strength as a cricketer was as a batsman who liked to hit the ball – every ball! With the guidance of Mr North and the Beverley coaches he developed a more considered approach to batting and also became a very competent wicketkeeper.

Mr North asked Adam to be captain of the Prep School team and he also started to bowl rather than keep wicket. Progressing through the junior ranks at Beverley he played for the under 11s, under 13s and under 15s as a 10-year-old. At this time, he was invited for trials with the East Yorkshire under 11 team and was selected as a wicketkeeper batsman.

Moving to the Senior School, Mr Windeatt became his coach and mentor and Adam continued to captain his year group team as well as playing in older teams, including the 1st XI. His debut for the Beverley men’s team came when he was 12. Ever the enthusiast, Adam was happy to constantly encourage his much older teammates when fielding; this earned him the nickname ‘Squeaky’ because his voice had not yet broken! Adam has continued to play regional cricket, most recently for the East Yorkshire and Central district. At club level he has now played games for the men’s 2nd team at Beverley and is a regular in the 3rd team where he bats and has now started bowling.

Adam’s cricketing hero is England captain and Yorkshire player Joe Root, another batsman who likes to get on with things when batting and who also bowls. As far as ambition goes, Adam would like to play at the highest level he can, but most of all continue to enjoy the game he loves.

PE TEACHER, MR WINDEATT

‘‘Adam is a fantastic sportsman who represents the School in all sports to the highest of standards. Not only is Adam a quality goalkeeper in football, he also dons the gloves in cricket. Adam has a fantastic pair of hands when he is stood behind the stumps, as well as being an attacking top order batsman. He likes to get after the bowlers, and he has already scored 50s in men’s cricket. Adam is one to watch for the future.’’

’’Staff at the School have helped develop Adam’s natural sporting talent but they have also taught him that being competitive is not incompatible with sportsmanship and fair play. These are values that will serve him well whatever he chooses to do in the future’’

Secretly, Adam would like to get into Beverley’s first team, play against Welton CC and bowl out Mr Windeatt!

ALUMNI RUGBY LEAGUE

‘‘Being a pupil at Tranby shaped me well for my future as it taught me a good work ethic and discipline. Currently I am at Hull University reading Business and Finance. I’m really enjoying the course so far. I’ve been managing it well as it’s rather flexible in 1st year. My future goals and ambitions are to achieve highly in my degree and to be successful in my rugby career.’’

WILL WALLIS

Will started playing Rugby League when he was 7 years old at his local amateur team in Beverley.

He left Tranby in 2017 and has gone on to progress with Hull FC.

He currently plays Second Row and Loose Forward when he needs to.

Last year Will played reserves, he played a couple of games at academy and then played reserve grade, and has been invited to stick around for the remainder of pre-season after excelling in the opening weeks.

‘‘

Will joined the School in Year 9. He settled quickly into the School team and was an integral part of a very successful year group (Yorkshire Cup Semi Finalists). Whenever Will was playing for the School, the team was stronger for his involvement and he always played to win which in turn raised the standard of those around him.’’

PE TEACHER, MR HENDERSON

JUDE FERREIRA

Jude has been playing rugby since he was just three years old, seeing off strong competition from a field of talented young rugby players to be selected to play in the Academy’s Under 19s squad. Jude is one of only 11 players to have been awarded this contract.

Jude has always been a very good rugby player, even from his early days in the Prep School he was running in tries for fun. As he grew, so did the qualities he possessed on the rugby field.

Jude won his place in the Academy squad following outstanding performances during which he scored 12 tries in nine games. He has also played for England Youth against France and scored a try in the winning match against Wales.

Jude made the step up to the first-team in 2019, joining the squad as the Black and Whites prepared to restart the Super League season. Jude, who plays centre, never got game time last year, but the club underlined how highly they rated him by signing Jude up to a three-year professional deal where he heads into his first full season with the number 26.

JUDE, ON HIS ACHIEVEMENTS

‘‘I’ve been playing since I was three years old. I’ve always had a rugby ball in my hand. I love the physicality of rugby, bringing individuals into a team and working together. Tranby supported me massively. I gained a lot from representing School which helped improve my game. My family have supported me all the way and are always there for me.

Since I’ve started with Hull FC it’s been tough as it’s a huge step up moving into the 1st XV team, I’ve really enjoyed the challenge. My goals for my 3 years at Hull FC are to make my Super League debut and to develop myself as a player and ultimately as a person.’’

LINCOLN YEA R 3

Lincoln has been playing football with Hull City Academy since he was 5 years old alongside playing for the grass roots team at Hessle Sporting Club. During this time, he has been fortunate to have played against Manchester United Academy and Liverpool Academy.

Hull City Development Centre is to help identify players of advanced ability and potential and to aid their continuous development by offering the necessary skills and knowledge. There is a genuine opportunity for Lincoln who has the right attitude and ability to progress to their Advanced Centre. Should Lincoln be successful enough to gain a place in the Advanced Centre, he will receive weekly coaching from fully qualified, experienced Hull City Academy, accredited FA coaches.

Last summer Lincoln got spotted by Leeds United and went for trials before the Christmas break. He has recently received a letter saying he has been highlighted.

Playing football at this standard at such a young age can prepare Lincoln for success later in life. By working as a team, building bonds, learning discipline and overcoming obstacles on the football field, sets an incredible athletic journey for Lincoln.

“I love football so much, it’s just my thing’’.

PE TEACHER, MR PARRA

“I’m so proud of Lincoln. He is very talented and a pleasure to watch on the field. I’m excited to see what the future holds for him.’’

BOBBY PRE-SIXTH

B obby has always loved football due to the influence from his Dad and Uncles; he was named after Sir Bobby Moore!. At aged 4 in 2009 he started to train with Jimmy Traynor on a Saturday morning in Beverley. When he was old enough to play for a team he joined Tickton Football Club playing for the ‘Chieftans’. In 2015 he moved club to play for Beverley Whitestar and then in 2017 he moved again to Hessle Sporting. During his time with Hessle Sporting he also represented East Riding at District Level. It was during this time, playing regularly for East Riding, he was invited to trial at Hull City Football Club for a 6 week period. Although he suffered a break to his leg during the trial he was pleased to be offered a contract with the Academy.

Throughout his time in the Academy he has had some great experiences playing clubs such as Manchester United, Newcastle United, Leeds and Everton as well as teams on tour from the USA. In 2019 he joined his team mates on a trip to Aalborg, Denmark where he said ‘It was a fantastic experience to play against players from all over the world’. Bobby is an avid West Ham United Fan. However, one of his greatest influences is Terry Boyle who he has met through the Academy, although he played for West Ham’s rivals Tottenham Hotspurs back in the day!

“Bobby is an extremely talented, driven football player who has already played 1st Team football for the School and we see a future captain in him if the world of professional football does not get to him first! ’’

“Bobby continues to make us both proud on and off the pitch. His commitment to the game is admirable along with his resilience through the ups and downs. The pressure of playing to such a high standard was also a concern to his Mum, not just physically but mentally and emotionally too, but she received reassurance from the School from day one that they would endeavour to support him in every way that they could.

Being a part of Tranby during this time in his life has been beneficial to his progress. Since joining the School at the beginning of Year 7 he has had support in all areas of his curriculum, not just his sporting achievements, from all of his teachers and wider staff in the School. He has represented the School where his schedule allows it and has enjoyed playing for the School’s football 1st XI team too; a particular highlight was being invited to represent the School on the Italy sports tour trip.’’

PE TEACHER, MR HENDERSON

BOBBY'S PARENTS

REUBEN YEAR 8

Reuben has been kicking a ball around since he could walk and he joined Hull City’s Academy when he was 8. He’d already been training with both Leeds and Hull at their Academy Development Centres but was delighted to sign for Hull. He’s progressed to the under 13s and the required commitment and sacrifices in order to play at this standard are significant, he trains 4 times a week with games on Sundays. As well as the commitment, the expectations and performance standards are extremely high with players facing individual reviews on their progression every 6 weeks.

To get into an Academy is an achievement; to stay in the Academy becomes even tougher

the older that the boys get (as Bobby would agree!). Reuben has already had some fantastic experiences, particularly when Hull were in the Premier League playing against all of the Premier League Academy teams and in a number of Premier League Tournaments.

While ability is important, the word that the coaches at Hull City use most frequently is desire, the desire to work harder, the desire to be the best, the desire to win. So far at Hull City, Reuben has learned a number of important lessons that he can take forward into life but none more important than the fact that in order to achieve your goals and succeed, you have to work harder than the competition!

‘Reuben is an impressive sportsman, he has shown time and time again that he has many psychological and physical attributes that lend themselves to sporting excellence. Reuben is so busy with representative sports outside of school but still makes time to play for many school teams and does so with so much pride and enthusiasm.’’

Reuben has learned a number of important lessons that he can take forward into life but none more important than the fact that in order to achieve your goals and succeed, you have to work harder than the competition!

PE TEACHER, MR HENDERSON

BOBBY YEAR 8

Bobby won his first competition in Quinta do Lago, Portugal in 2018. He was presented with the trophy by Paul McGinley. He also won at Amendoeira the following year.

Bobby started playing golf towards the end of 2017. He did try it before then whilst on holiday in Portugal where his grandparents live. He has played and won in competitions in England and Portugal. He was accepted to receive training from Yorkshire in 2019. He is inspired by many professional golfers, in particular Seve Ballesteros. Tranby have supported Bobby with his golf and the wide variety of sports played at the School help with his fitness and hand-eye co-ordination. His goal this year is to win more competitions. One day Bobby would like to play for the England National Team, and then move on to become a professional.

BOBBY'S MUM

“I’m really proud of what he has achieved so far and admire his dedication to the sport.’’

PE TEACHER, MR HENDERSON

‘‘It is so good to see Bobby coming out of his shell and finding a sport that he enjoys and that he is very good at. The progress he has made with his golf is superb and this has given him an increase in confidence in and around school as well.’’

WILL YEAR 12

Will has always had an interest in sport even from a very young age. His first sport was rugby where he started from the age of six at Hull Ionians. He has always had an eye for the ball, so his Dad suggested golf as a summer sport. Will started to swing a golf club when he was about 6 or 7 years old. He mainly played golf as a hobby once every two weeks and lessons with the pro at Hull Golf Club, Aaron Pheasant. At age 9, he started to play for a cricket club in the summer months as well as playing golf. He played to a high standard in rugby but eventually gave it up due to cricket and golf getting more demanding (he was selected for the Yorkshire Cricket Pathway). His handicap was dropping in golf, and both these sports required winter training. Will balanced both cricket and golf, training and playing regularly in both until aged 15. He made the decision to focus solely on golf as this had become his greatest passion and needed a high level of individual practice.

Will is currently in the Yorkshire B squad (U18) and the East Riding U18 team. His long-term goal is to get into the men’s Yorkshire team and become a key player. This will lead to a great opening for a professional career in the sport.

‘’I am inspired by Tiger Woods because of his focus on the golf course and the willingness that you can see in his eyes for the ball to go in the hole. I love the fact that he dominates the golf course, and he does not let the course dominate him. Michael Jordan is a huge inspiration to me as well. This may seem strange as he is not a golfer, however he has the killer instinct and portrays that to be the very best you must work harder than anyone else. Above all I want to become the best player in the world and have a part in the sport’s major history.’’

‘‘Will is a very kind and sensitive soul with bags of sporting talent to boot. He has always put school sport at the top of his priorities playing every single sport for School with a high level of success, but as his golf game has taken off to another level we have seen Will achieve great things and we are excited to see what comes next for him.’’

WILL, ON HIS AMBITIONS

HEAD OF SIXTH FORM, MR WINDEATT

OLIVER YEAR 8

Ollie’s coach at Cottingham Parks Golf Club, Mark Thompson has written the following:

2 020 was a very strange year for us all, but our juniors have been exceptional in adhereing to the rules and regulations here at the golf club, and Ollie has been no exception. Ollie has had another exceptional year on the course, considering all the disruptions we have had. He has managed to get his handicap down to 28 and will be joining our Premiership League, playing off men’s white and yellow tees. Ollie is very committed to his process of turning up to coaching, with a great attitude and always striving to get better. He also has a cheeky side to his personality, which is usually arguing with me, his coach, but in turn, is always asking questions as to “why” and “what” would help him achieve his game and swing, making himself understand the problems, so he can try to build and work on his game on his own. A great discovery and independent thinker.

Ollie showed us a different side to his personality this year, when he became a “Captain” of our junior Ryder Cup side. This is the first time we have run this program, where we had 2 junior captains taking charge of a squad of players, having to pick a team and manage the players. Ollie showed fantastic leadership skills, giving a positive speech to his team, keeping them motivated through the match with positive language, and picking his team wisely. Ollie’s team went on to win

Whether he wins trophies or not, it’s all about growing as a person in golf, and I can always say that Ollie does this with abundance. He turns up week in, week out, cold, wet or windy weather and always gives his all. He gets better every year, but is never afraid of failure, which is what sets him apart from others.’’

PE TEACHER,

MR HENDERSON

‘‘Oliver is such a pleasure to teach, he always pays attention to the small technical details and it is really impressive to see him doing so well with his golf.’’

the event.

HOCKEY

We are so proud of the pupils' dedication to hockey throughout the School, with many of them representing the School on Saturday morning, playing ladies hockey in the afternoon, and then representing their club or county on a Sunday.

T hey really deserve the success that they are achieving. It is not just an outstanding commitment from the children, but also from the whole family as the weekend lie-ins are curtailed to travel all over Yorkshire and sometimes beyond.

There is nothing better than seeing the joy when Ash, Bethan, Ruby, Timmy, Evelyn and Jorgi play hockey together at a lunch-time or after school club. They are only at the beginning of their hockey adventure and we wish them all the success in the world.

MISS DAVIS HEAD OF PE

ASHLYN YEAR 10

Ashlyn started at Tranby in Year 7 and had her first experience of hockey during that year. She was initially attracted to the position of goalkeeper following her time as a football goalkeeper for Tickton FC. Right from the beginning she loved playing in the GK position and contributing to the school team.

Within 2-3 months Ashlyn quickly began developing her keeper skills and was soon playing for the Kingston Upon Hull Hockey Club then selected to be Humber County squad goal keeper - it was obvious that she had a talent for the sport. While playing for Humber she was scouted to try out for the North East Hockey Team and became the main GK to represent the team in the 2019 national tournament; the NE team won the silver during the tournament and Ashlyn was fortunately scouted and invited to become part of the Girls’ UK Lions National Team; the first girl from the East Yorkshire county to achieve this. At this time Ashlyn was also chosen to develop her skills further by being offered a place in the England Hockey Yorks Performance Centre and she relished the opportunity to experience hockey training at a higher level. Up to this point specific goalkeeper training had been sporadic but Ash used her initiative and went out of her comfort zone to train with the Kingston Men’s team and to play with as many ladies teams across the region as possible to upscale her skills and experience.

Ashlyn’s dream is to represent England and play for Team GB in the Olympics – hopefully helping the team win gold! To this end she recently completed and passed a highly competitive selection process and is currently working through the NAGS (National Age Group) programme; this is the highest honour obtainable for any young hockey player and if chosen will be representing England this coming year as first international debut. And again she was the first girl in the region to achieve this level.

During lockdown Ashlyn has been invited to participate in a series of England Hockey elite player training routines to maintain momentum, build fitness, develop emotional management and a nutritional workshop all in preparation to becoming an international player.

ASHLYN, ON ENGLAND HOCKEY

‘‘It’s been really interesting to progress through the England Hockey pathway, and each stage has been really productive towards improving my skills and techniques. I’m really excited to be trialling for the national squad a year early even though it has been really challenging at times, but that’s all part of the fun.’’

BETHAN YEA R 10

‘‘It’s amazing watching Bethan, and her team mates, spending their weekends on the pitch. The matches/ tournaments can be quite full on and demanding but, as a parent, watching her go from never holding a hockey stick to playing at this level now is awesome! We are looking forward to the girls playing again as soon as possible!’’

Bethan started playing hockey in Year 6, having had no experience of hockey in her previous school. She spent this first year as goal keeper, thus didn’t play ‘in the field’ until she joined the Senior School. She quickly developed an appetite for it, playing in all positions and then started playing at club level (Kingston Hockey) and later was selected to play at county level (Humber Hockey).

She was recently invited to trial for the Hockey England pathway and was successful in securing a place at the North of England Performance Centre. Sadly, due to Covid-19 there have only been a couple of training sessions before it all had to stop, but Bethan is now doing classroom-based work on attacking and defending principles with her team mates in virtual classrooms some evenings after school.

BETHAN'S MUM

RUBY YEAR 10

The following piece was writeen by

Ruby:

Ifirst started playing hockey when I joined Tranby in Year 3. I had never played hockey before I came to Tranby. I never knew what to do, what the rules were but when I had my first games lesson, we did hockey. I did not know how to play but, in few weeks, I was in the matches against other schools, and scoring some goals. Hockey boosted my confidence and even though I did not know many people when I played for school, I was making friends with the team.

From Year 3 to Year 6 I was playing for school matches but also, I got into Kingston Hockey which some of my friends used to go to. Kingston Hockey was made up of loads of different age groups from all different schools. In Year 8 I settled into Kingston and the coaches put all the players into trials for Humber Hockey which is a county team with all different girls from local areas. Kingston coaches put half our team into trials for England PC, all girls went for trials at Leeds and 2 weeks later only 5 girls out of our team got into PC.

I was one of them which I was very proud of and excited for, as I am playing for my country. As I was in PC, I could not play for Kingston Hockey anymore. I went for trials for Leeds football which I got into and I chose to carry on with my football. Therefore, I dropped all hockey because I was more interested in football and I always have been since I was 7 years old. When I got offered a place in Leeds RTC football squad, I took that opportunity to live my dream and go as far as I could and today, I still play for Leeds RTC football squad.

I had a decision of picking hockey or football; it was a very hard decision to make and I wanted to do both, but I enjoyed playing football more than hockey.

While I was still playing my hockey, I looked up to Lily Owsley who is an England professional women’s hockey player, she played front forward or in the middle of the park (midfielder). She competed at the 2016 Rio Olympics where she scored the first goal in GB tournament and she won a gold medal.

My school helped me achieve my goals and gave me opportunities. All my sports teachers supported me when I wanted to quit hockey but also supported me when I wanted to start my football and move on with my football. My teachers pushed me to my best ability in hockey and as a person I always learn something new in our games lessons and they are always fun to take part in. What made this journey the best was my support and making new friendships with people who I never knew.

“Never let someone or something get in the way of what you want to achieve.’’

TIMMY YEA R 10

HOCKEY

Timmy started hockey in 2014 when he was aged just 8. He left rugby to join Kingston Upon Hull Hockey Team when his older brother’s friend introduced us to the sport as his Dad was the coach and still is a coach with the club today. He joined when the junior section only had a mixed U10 hockey team, never missed any training session and played both in his own age and older age group teams as the club expanded.

He has played for North East England at the 2018 UK U13 Regional Hockey Trophy Tournament and 2019 UK U13 Regional Championship Tournament and was selected to join Performance Centre Hockey the last couple of years with a nomination to trial for NAGs (National Age Group Selection) U16 Boys in 2020 – the first year he was old enough to be selected. Unfortunately, he did not get to the next stage but Timmy has enjoyed the opportunity to train with the best coaches and compete with the best players. He will hopefully have other opportunities in the next two years as he has only just reached the age for selection onto the England Hockey programme.

He has built resilience over the years, especially as he has always played with experienced players older than him and his love of the game has been an inspiration to many. Although he prefers to be a defender, his skills are versatile and he plays a number of positions on the pitch depending on the requirements of the team. He is blessed to have dedicated and passionate coaches who have developed junior hockey at the club and they have always been his inspiration to give his best in every team that he plays in. He is currently part of U16 Boys, U18 Boys and Men 2 teams.

In swimming, which Timmy started when he was 5 with swimming lessons at Beverley Leisure Centre, he has represented Yorkshire at the National County Team Championships in 2019. After winning many races (especially breaststoke ones) for a few years at Beverley Swimming Club friendly galas, he joined competitive swimming with Beverley Barracudas in the summer of 2016 and gained Yorkshire qualifying times for the first time in Feb 2017 and NER (North East Region) qualifying times in Oct 2017. Since then, he has swum in every Yorkshire and NER competition which each happen twice a year.

He generally has qualifying times in 50m and 100m Breaststroke, Backstroke and sometimes Freestyle.

In 2019, he was selected to swim in the relay representing Yorkshire at the Team Championship at Ponds Forge Sheffield because he had the best Breaststroke time in Yorkshire for his age group. Despite his successes and disappointments - he was disqualified after a brilliant swim being 9th on paper and winning the final in 50m Breaststroke in one of the NERs - Timmy keeps a level head, easily making friends with his competitors and enjoying the camaraderie that happens at the swimming galas that he has attended. Mutual respect, competitiveness and camaraderie are what inspire him to continue swimming.

SWIMMING

TIMMY'S PARENTS

‘‘We are super proud of Timmy as we feel he inspires a lot of the younger athletes with his expertise, experience and ability to lead them. He is an all-round sportsman with the dedication to put in hard work and effort in the two sports that he loves but also in other sports like school rugby and cross country running.

We thank the School for the support he has received to join the girls’ hockey training during lockdown and allowing him to attend other tournaments during school days.’’

EVELYN

PRE SIXTH

“Hockey has been a real outlet for Evelyn's enthusiasm, drive and determination. The fact that she is now playing with adults more than twice her age, who rely on her to perform in pressure situations, only goes to motivate her further. The mental rewards that sport can offer are huge and Evelyn has been able to hold her head high in new and challenging game situations because she is prepared to give her all and she thrives on the challenge.’’

‘‘Tranby has enabled me to play hockey much more frequently, allowing me to really strive for success, as it is an integral part of the school timetable. The exhilarating sports tours provide students with memories they will have for a lifetime. The work and effort of the school staff is unmatched and allows all pupils to flourish in various ways.’’

S he was put forward for the Senior Ladies at Wakefield and the county, West Yorkshire. During her time playing for West Yorkshire, Evelyn was put forward for numerous Performance Centre trials. However, this turned out to be one of the hardest parts of her career so far; she was put forward for 5 trials before being accepted into Performance Centre. Evelyn was so determined to be selected for this team and worked harder than ever before and was very soon put forward for her 6th Performance Centre trial.

The hockey season started up again in September and Evelyn was delighted and fortunate to be playing competitive hockey once more. Having said that, just a couple of matches back into the Senior Women’s League, Evelyn sustained a concussion after being hit on the back of the head by a hockey ball, just a day away from her 6th Performance Centre trial. Despite this, Evelyn was set on going to the Performance Centre trial the next day but she was soon sent home from the trial as she started to show concussion symptoms. Nevertheless, Evelyn went to the second part of the trial the following weekend, and played some of the best hockey she had ever played. Evelyn received an email a few days later saying she was accepted into Performance Centre. After finding this newfound confidence and self-belief, Evelyn noticed this was carried forward into her schoolwork.

EVELYN, ON HOCKEY AT TRANBY

EVELYN'S DAD

Since moving to Yorkshire in December 2017, Evelyn soon found Wakefield Hockey Club. The club has allowed Evelyn to flourish and develop and progress rapidly.

JORGI PRE SIXTH

Jorgi started playing hockey in Year 5 having never held a hockey stick. She soon showed talent on the field and by Year 6 was a permanent member of the school hockey team contributing to many wins for the School on a regular basis.

Outside school, Jorgi joined Kingston Hockey Club and it was during these early days she was picked to play for Humber Hockey where she enjoyed many matches and improved her game.

In 2017, Jorgi joined Wakefield Hockey Club and plays for West Yorkshire where she continues to develop even further. She attends regular training sessions, including every Sunday. Her commitment and dedication is testament to her success.

Jorgi’s aim is to be accepted into Performance Centre. She recently had trials where she was unsuccessful this time but her determination won’t stop here. She is hopeful to have another chance as soon as she is able.

Jorgi’s aim is to be accepted into Performance Centre. She recently had trials where she was unsuccessful this time but her determination won’t stop here.

“ ’I love hockey. I love to win, it gives me a great sense of achievement. Playing with my friends is great. It’s so good we play together on the School team and for Wakefield. We’re a strong team I am proud to be part of. Miss Davis has helped me a lot, she is also my form tutor so I see her a lot and she’s always very supportive.’’

JORGI, ON HOCKY AT TRANBY