Ballard boys team win national title at the Independent Schools Association hockey finals

BALLARD School’s U15 boys’ hockey team were crowned national champions at the Independent Schools Association (ISA) National Hockey finals at Lee Valley Olympic Park in London.

The boys finished top of their group, winning three games and drawing one while only letting in one goal.

They then beat St Edwards Cheltenham in the semis before beating LVS Ascot 3-0 in the final.

Ballard’s girls also did well, despite competing with a depleted squad. They also won their group, but going one better and not conceding a single goal. However, they then met Farnborough Hill’s eventual winners in the quarter-finals, where they lost a close match 2-1.

There was further cause for celebration when Ballard pupils Madison Kingsley-Smith and Tate Glynn were selected as Players of the Tournament for the girls and boys, respectively.

As a result, they will both receive a custom-fit mouthguard from Guardian Pro Mouthguards and a scholarship from Exsportise Summer Camps to a one-week, all-inclusive residential course.

After the tournament, Ballard School headmaster Andrew McCleave said: “Both the boys’ and girls’ hockey teams have done extremely well, and we are rightly proud of their success at Ballard.

“Success like this doesn’t happen without a great deal of support from our dedicated Games’ coaches and staff, so we must say a big thank you to them, too.

“In competitions such as this, when our talented young people add team spirit and resilience, it can make all the difference; Ballard’s holistic approach to school life with a focus on values and being the best that you can be has clearly paid dividends.”

Director of Sport Justin Whitbread added: “The Ballard hockey journey starts early in Pre-Prep. Pupils gain skills and match play through festivals and fixtures. The Senior School Hockey provides a chance to play at the highest levels in county and national competitions.”