SCHOOLGIRL hockey players crossed sticks with the best in the country when they represented the North of England at a prestigious tournament.
An eight-player squad from Richmond School and Sixth Form College bullied off at the National Indoor Finals, the only team from the state schools sector to compete.
For one 13-year-old it was the chance to tackle England squad players who benefit from professional coaching – but couldn’t stop her scoring a goal.
Mainly comprising sixth form girls with one Year 9 player, the squad secured its coveted place by performing well in the Northern Regional heats. The only other North side to qualify was from Wakefield.
Most of the players are a year young but star squad member Bea Bell is just 13 and tackled players up to five years her senior.
PE teacher and hockey coach Helen Southgate said: “At no time did Bea look out of place. She played in every game with utter determination and even scored a goal, which was amazing.”
The tournament, staged in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, attracted the country’s best players, mainly from independent schools who are part of national development squads and play for England U21 teams.
Richmond’s squad comprises Alice Macey, 16, Olivia Stones, 16, India Wilson, 17, Jasmine Hazell, 16, Mairi Teasdale, 17, Bea, Rosie Brannigan, 16 and Olivia McFarlane, 16.
Mrs Southgate said: “Our girls were awesome and really rose to the occasion. They scored in all but one game and simply refused to give up. They were never overawed and created so many chances they were always in the game.
“We were the only state school there and we really made the best teams work hard, to the point where the other coaches were talking about how well Richmond performed.”
Team captain Olivia said: “The standard was exceptionally high which brought the very best out in us.
“Most of us have played together since Year 7 and know each other really well, which helped.”
Six-a-side teams from across the country played six 24-minute matches in a fast and furious high scoring game.
Mrs Southgate said: “I could not have asked for any more from the girls and the school is very proud of them.
“The progress they have made has been amazing and playing at this top level has made them hungry for more.”