Cranford School U16 Girls’ Hockey Team Heads to National Championships in Nottingham
Cranford School, January 2025
Cranford School’s U16 Girls’ Hockey Team has made history by qualifying for the highly anticipated England Hockey National Championships, set to take place in Nottingham on February 3, 2025. This prestigious event will bring together the top junior hockey teams from across the country, and the Cranford squad is primed and ready to compete for the national title after securing their place in the tournament with a decisive win at the T3 Regional Finals in December 2024.
The team, consisting of 14 talented senior school players, has demonstrated exceptional skill and determination throughout the season. Their impressive regional victory marks a significant milestone in the school’s sporting journey, underscoring the strength of competitive sport at Cranford. The girls will now go head-to-head with the best teams in England, vying for the coveted national title.
England Hockey, the governing body for the sport in the UK, introduced tiered championships in 2019, giving schools the opportunity to compete at different levels of the sport. The U16 Girls' team’s qualification for the national championship is a testament to their skill and hard work.
Head of Sport at Cranford School, Sam Sear, praised the team for their dedication and outstanding performance this season: "This group of athletes is truly exceptional. Their commitment, discipline, and teamwork have been key to their success, and they are more than ready to take on the challenge at the national championships. I have no doubt they will represent Cranford with pride."
Cranford School’s competitive sports programme continues to grow, with the recent success of the U14 Boys’ Football Team, who qualified for the last 16 at the England Schools' Football Association tournament in January 2025.
In addition, the U11 Girls' Hockey Team were crowned 2025 Oxfordshire County Hockey Champions, further demonstrating the school’s rising prominence in school sports. The team is already preparing for regionals this March.
Dr. James Raymond, Headmaster of Cranford School, expressed immense pride in the school’s achievements: “The entire school community is incredibly proud of our athletes. From tennis to football, netball to cricket, and of course, hockey, the spirit of competition and teamwork runs deep at Cranford. Our students’ success is a reflection of their hard work, and we are thrilled to support them as they take on these new challenges."
As the Spring Term progresses, Cranford's hockey and football teams are gearing up for more exciting tournaments and fixtures, both at home and away. Staff, parents, and fellow pupils will be cheering them on from the sidelines, united in their support for Team Cranford.