Field hockey has, and perhaps always will be, one of the most popular sports globally, particularly in Europe and Britain.

 

Oxford is certainly no exception. There are multiple impressive teams with a variety of players, such as Oxford Hawkes and Oxford city; and many schools have followed suit in ensuring that all students receive a basic guidance into the rules of this sport from early ages (often simply during physical education lessons), eventually forming school teams later down the line. 

 

Schools are essential in the development of children and in vesseling children’s creativity and passion into extracurriculars as well as academics - and Headington school is a prime example in encouraging students to go above and beyond when it comes to sports such as hockey. The school, notably, has impressive facilities to allow students to explore a variety of different forms of physical fitness. The headington hockey team has, in the past, been one of the finest school teams in the country - competing in Regionals tournaments multiple times and also reaching Nationals. One of the most significant achievements of the Headington Girls School hockey team came in 2017, when they won the prestigious National Schools Hockey Championships. The team overcame tough competition from other top schools from around the country, showing their skill, teamwork, and determination on the field. 

 

‘The school teaches (girls only) hockey from a very early age’ says Evie Hardcastle, a year 10 at Headington and member of the school team. ‘It’s incredibly easy to get involved at any skill level and all the coaches are enthusiastic to help you, even if you don’t know much about the sport.’

 

The success of the Headington Girls School hockey team has been a source of pride for the school and the local community. It has certainly inspired other young girls to take up the sport and strive for excellence, both on and off the field.