Bradford Grammar School Year 11 pupil Alice M has been selected for the England U16 hockey squad for 2025–26.
Alice started playing hockey at age seven and has played for Ben Rhydding Hockey Club since U10s, making her National League debut for the club’s first team last year. She was also awarded the club’s Captains Award and the Bradfordians Club (London) Year 10 Sports Prize at Speech Day.
Alice, who plays in the forward line, was the top goal scorer for Ben Rhydding’s first team last season. Her selection for the England squad came after a three-day trial at Lilleshall during the October half-term.
“The selection process was long, stressful and exhausting,” Alice said. “I felt so relieved when I got the email and was lucky to be with friends when it came through, so I could tell them in person.”
Alice hopes to represent England in major tournaments such as the 4 Nations, 8 Nations and Euro Tour. She said: “My ambitions are to play in the Premier League at university, and with England U18s and U21s.”
She acknowledges the role her coaches have played in her development. “I’m very grateful to have had support from my childhood coaches to those I have at school, like Mrs Parkinson, my club coach, Mathew Birch, and England TA coaches Nick Davey and Kay Hanham,” she said.
Headmaster Dr Simon Hinchliffe said: “Alice has developed from a keen junior player into one of the region’s top young hockey talents. She’s not only talented on the pitch but also a great team player, and it’s wonderful to see her commitment recognised with this England selection.”
“Alice has developed from a keen junior player into one of the region’s top young hockey talents. She’s not only talented on the pitch but also a great team player, and it’s wonderful to see her commitment recognised with this England selection.”