England hockey selection for Churcher’s College pupil Jack Stubbings

Jack Stubbings (U6th) and Tom Smith (Year 5), of Churcher's College, were selected to represent the South of England (Wessex Leopards) at U17 and U15 level respectively in the England Hockey Future’s Cup, held over a glorious August Bank Holiday Weekend in St Albans.

The tournament is used as part of the selection process into the England U16 and U18 squads. Jack and Tom both played important roles in their teams, helping them to win their respective age categories, with Jack scoring in each game. The tournament was cruelly cut short for Tom when he broke his hand at the beginning of the final match meaning that he was unable to take any further part in the competition.

The following weekend, Jack was selected to play for the ‘England Red’ team in the UK School Games (specifically for U17s), held at Loughborough University. His scoring record continued as he managed to score a further 3 goals during the 4 matches of the tournament. He and his team’s efforts were rewarded with a Bronze medal.

Jack has also now been selected to join the England U18 hockey squad. He will now embark on a series of training and selection events at the National Sports Centre in Lilleshall, culminating in the U18 European Championships to be held in Spain next year.