Exeter Cathedral School is once again celebrating the success of its alumni – this time as they represent the county and country at hockey and kayaking.
Alumna Emily J (2015-2020) has been selected for the England Under 16 Hockey Team. Emily, along with fellow ECS alumna Bella PJ (2013-2020), were selected for the Futures Cup England Hockey Tournament in St Albans last month. As part of the Wessex Leopards they competed against teams from the four quarters of England, as well as national teams from Wales and Scotland.
The pair started playing hockey together at Exeter Cathedral School and local hockey club ISCA. They are both continuing to thrive on the sports fields at Blundell’s School. Since a young age, both were selected to represent the County at hockey and play at the South West Performance Centre.
Bella is looking forward to continuing at the Performance Centre and other future opportunities. Commenting on the experience, Bella said that she “loves playing hockey” and is “really grateful for the coaching and support she has received” including advice given to her when she was much younger to “keep working, keep listening and keep learning and great things can happen!”
Not to be outdone, Bella’s older brother Toby PJ, also an ECS alumnus (2012-2016), represented Team GB at the European Ocean Kayaking Championships over the summer.
Director of Sport at Exeter Cathedral School, Mrs Emma Ross (a former Hockey International herself) champions a ‘Sport for All’ approach: “We have a focus on participation, development and enjoyment whilst still catering for our elite athletes. We are proud of our long-standing association with some of the region’s top sporting clubs and venues. We train and play at the world-class Exeter University Sports Hub, including the astroturf pitches.”
Everyone at the School is incredibly proud of Emily, Bella and Toby, Mrs Ross said that “We were so pleased to hear of the success of all three ECS Alumni. Emily and Bella started their hockey careers here at Exeter Cathedral School and worked incredibly hard. Emily’s progression to join the England Under 16 Team is thoroughly deserved and we wish her the very best of luck.”
Headmaster, Mr James Featherstone: “We are serious about our sport at Exeter Cathedral School. This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for Emily and a testament to the passion, support and opportunities that are available to all pupils here at Exeter Cathedral School. We are incredibly proud of Emily, Bella and Toby and look forward to welcoming them back to Exeter Cathedral School to share their skills with our current pupils.”
