Exeter students selected for England Hockey Squad

Two Exeter School pupils are celebrating their selection on the England Hockey squads.

Sixth Former Sophie Jefferson and Upper Fifth Former Bill Taylor have the opportunity to represent their country in the U18 and U16 squads respectively.

The two Exeter School hockey players are the latest pupils to be included in the national age group squads – six pupils have been selected over the last five years.

Head of Hockey Ed Jones said their selection put them in the top 26 players in the country at their age.

“The next training camp will take place over the half term break,” he said.

“They train as a squad in the hope that they are selected for test matches against the European elite with the likes of Belgium and Holland. The process started last February with county training camps and the cycle will finish in July.

“We wish them the best of luck!”

Bill said “To get to where I am now has taken over a year of selections and it has always been the dream to play for England so it feels unreal to be selected!”

Sophie started playing hockey with Exe Hockey Club when she was 7 before moving to Isca Hockey Club. She said she was delighted that ten years of playing competitively had led to being selected for the England squad.