The combined efforts of girls and boys hockey in the Academy saw a peer lead coaching morning with all Year 8 pupils invited. Taken by senior players alongside GCSE PE pupils the morning was a complete success celebrating everything about Academy hockey.

Small full paced routines, with the support of Banbridge Hockey Club Men’s 1st XI squad, resulted in a steep but enjoyable learning curve. All supported by Academy staff and watched by our parents.

With the expertise of Richard Cowan hosting an umpire workshop for budding officials and Ian Hughes leading a goalkeeper clinic it provided a holistic hockey sweep with everyone from the player, umpire and coach benefitting from the EHL experience.

Later in the day it was fantastic to watch two ex-pupils come to the fore as Jonny McKee opened the score for Bann before Dane Ward made it an historic day for Banbridge in Europe.

All the teams in the Academy thank the BAA for their warmth and help during the morning by providing hospitality. Also thanks to the men’s 1st XI for their invested time and to all sponsors & press for their support and patience. What a day for the community and school based sport in Banbridge.