By Miss Newman, PE Teacher

The U15 hockey team saw themselves bundle up and head to Heathrow Airport to get their short flight to Newcastle, to attend the U15 GDST Hockey tournament.

Unfortunately due to the freezing weather conditions, the tournament format had to be changed and all teams played indoor hockey. Despite this, there was lots of hockey on offer for the players and they all developed their skills throughout the weekend.

On the Thursday afternoon, the team played five matches, winning their pool stage and finishing 3rd overall. Once hockey finished on Thursday, the team had dinner at Newcastle High School and then settled into their hotel room for an early night’s rest.

Friday morning saw the team have time to walk around the famous Christmas Market in the town centre, and then it was off to Newcastle High School for the afternoon’s sporting activities. The team had a Women’s Health talk from a representative at Newcastle University, talking to the players about their menstrual health, nutrition and injuries. After this, the teams were split into two smaller teams and then played another mini tournament with the other GDST schools that they had not faced the day before. 

The team then had a quick return to the hotel before heading back to the school for dinner, which also included making their own smoothies using the blender bicycle! Then the GDST linked up with The Mintridge Foundation to have a zoom talk from Sarah Jones, former Welsh and Great Britain Hockey player. Sarah spoke about her love of sport and how she only got her national call-up at the age of 27! It was a very inspiring talk that many of the students took information away from. Then to finish the evening off, the team had ice cream, waffles and milkshakes at Creams.

Saturday morning saw the group finish off their tour with 27 holes of crazy golf, which saw pairs competing against each other for the coveted prize of a slushie! However, Storm Bert had other ideas and by the afternoon we had found out that the flight back had been cancelled – thankfully we managed to book onto the first flight out on Sunday morning!

Another successful tour to Newcastle, with all players developing their skills, making new friends and having fun!

🏑U15 @GDST Hockey tournament in Newcastle🏑

A fantastic 1st day of hockey was played by @nhehs U15 team at the tournament, being hosted by @NHSGsport 🏑

A first for the team – playing indoor hockey! 👏🏻 Team finished 3rd in today’s tournament 👍🏼#NHEHSsport #indoorhockey pic.twitter.com/RSIWcphWQG

— NHEHS Sport (@nhehs_sport) November 21, 2024

Day 2 of U15 GDST Hockey tournament in Newcastle was great! 🏑

A morning of shopping at the Christmas market, then off to play more indoor hockey 🏑

Then a fun evening with smoothie making & an inspirational talk by @sarahjones8888 🥰#NHEHSsport #funday #tour pic.twitter.com/JPqIcU9QgV

— NHEHS Sport (@nhehs_sport) November 23, 2024