We were very proud to learn that two Sixth Formers have been selected for the Great Britain (GB) Hockey Elite Development Programme. Upper Sixth students Lars and Will have been recognised as players who have the potential to become medal-winning Olympians and international athletes of the future, and the programme aims to develop that talent.
We caught up with Lars to find out all about it.
How did the trial for the GB Hockey EDP/U21s come about?
Trials for the EDP can come about in a few ways. One such way is for top clubs around the country to nominate players to attend the trials, which is how I ended up doing it.
Which club do you play for?
Currently I play for Surbiton Hockey Club with Will. I joined for the U14 season and haven’t looked back. Surbiton is arguably the best club in the country, especially for developing junior players. I have the opportunity to train with internationals and Olympians week in, week out, which as you can imagine is an incredibly invaluable experience.
How did you get into hockey?
Before hockey, I’d always played lots of sports. Rugby, football, tennis, as much as I could really. No one in my family had played before my sister went to senior school and had the opportunity to try it. Seeing how much my sister enjoyed playing, my mum let me try it when I was around nine. I went to a hockey camp in Reigate and have played ever since.
How has playing at Trinity helped you develop as a player?
Whilst the club and international environment can often be intense, Trinity provides high level hockey but makes sure it’s enjoyable. Especially over the last few years: winning the ISHC plate in 2023 and then coming fourth in the country in 2024. Both were a result of us training hard and playing good hockey but ultimately, I think it came down to us enjoying playing with each other. So being able to train multiple times a week, but being able to enjoy it regardless, has been amazing for my hockey.
What’s it like to be selected alongside another Trinity player?
Having played with Will at school and club since the U14s, I’ve got to know him so well on the pitch and can safely say he fully deserves it. Being able to play with him at the U21 level will be really nice. The EDP is primarily made up of university students, so for a Sixth Former to be picked is quite rare, but for us both to be from the same school is a real testament to Mr Giles [Trinity’s Head of Hockey and England Junior International coach] and all the coaches we’ve had over the years. Hopefully this will be a sign to all the younger players at the school to really make the most of them and the opportunities here. You never know where they could take you!
How do you feel about the opportunity of the EDP?
Being picked for a competitive programme like the EDP obviously comes with immense pride. However, the programme itself is incredibly intense and a massive time commitment, so I think it’ll be a challenge to keep a good balance in my life, especially with A Level exams this year. Nonetheless, I’m really looking forward to what this year will bring and hopefully it will be good fun.
Do you plan to continue playing after Trinity – what’s the dream?
After I leave Trinity, the plan is to go to a top university and combine my studies with a high-level hockey programme. The hockey programmes available can be to an incredibly high standard, so hopefully I’ll be able to continue to develop and grow as a player. After that, I’m not sure what the plan is. I think with time I’ll have more clarity as to where I want to take my hockey, whether it be aiming for the Olympics or playing in the Premier league for as many years as I can.
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A huge congratulations to Lars and Will, we look forward to following your continued success.
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