Lilly

Year 10 (joined in Year 9)

I joined Millfield in Year 9 as a hockey scholar. 

The days start early with sunrise sessions in the gym and are then nonstop until bedtime. Having such amazing facilities onsite means there are opportunities throughout the day to train and practise. I am lucky enough to also have weekly 1:1 coaching with the Director of Hockey Reggie Keates, giving me time to really focus on the areas of the game I want to improve on most, as well as having an opportunity to talk through any concerns or worries I have about my hockey outside of school. This year the school are supporting me playing National League Ladies Club Hockey at the weekend.

Whatever your sport or whatever you want to try you can do it here with the luxury of specialist sports coaches on hand to guide you and support you.

Although Hockey is my main sport, I have also had time to work on my cricket and try new things. This term I have been playing rugby.

It’s great to have people around you who are experiencing the same things and can offer advice or support. Your houseparent is also always on hand to keep you in check and help you sort out any problems should they arise.

The range of academic subjects is also vast ensuring you can really focus on the things you enjoy and that interest you, as well as the core subjects. It was a tough choice deciding which subjects to take for GCSE this year with so many things on offer.

Small class sizes have really helped me to be more confident and ask questions in lessons, this is something you are really encouraged to do.

Some of my highlights from last year were captaining the U14 hockey team who became County and Regional Champions before playing in the National Finals at Lee Valley. I then had the opportunity to return to Lee Valley again to play in the ISHC National Hockey finals. As well as becoming England Hockey National U14 Cup & Super League Champions with my junior club Knole Park.

I feel real pride putting on my Millfield kit and stepping out onto the astro to represent the school.I’m delighted to have been selected for the England U16 Hockey Team, following several months of trials. I’m really looking forward to all the experiences this will bring and future opportunities to play hockey at National level.