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By Mariela Walton, Head of Girls Hockey and Teacher of PE & Sport
This term marked the return of the annual (and now hotly anticipated) Bedales Summer Hockey Festival. With all students invited to sign up, it was fantastic to see record participation this year, with over 100 students from Block 3 through to 6.2 taking part, making it the largest activity in the school!
The competition kicked off with the students split into 12 carefully balanced teams and divided into four pools. Over the first three weeks of term, players braved the hot sun to deliver some thrilling hockey. By week four, after countless exciting and competitive matches, we had our semi-finalists, and soon after, our finalists were decided.
The Plate Final saw Team Robinson, led by last year's Golden Stick winner Harry (6.2), go head-to-head with Team Gibbon, captained by Bo (6.2). The match turned into a goal-scoring frenzy, with goals from Harry, Bo, Izz (6.1), Brooke (Block 5), Jodok (Block 5), and Charlie (Block 3). In the end, Team Robinson emerged victorious with a dazzling 21–14 win!
The Cup Final was a tighter contest between Team Wallward, captained by Eliza (6.2) and Tilly (6.2), and Team Fisher, led by Eliza (6.2). The match began with a bang as Hari (6.1) opened the scoring for Wallward from a short corner. Tom (Block 5) responded brilliantly for Team Fisher, weaving into the D and firing it home. However, it was Sebbie (Block 5) who secured the win for Team Wallward, with the decisive goal leading to a 3–2 victory- crowning them the Hockey Fest 2025 Champions!
This year’s Golden Stick Award was a hotly contested race, with 35 different students from Block 3 to 6.2 - and even two cheeky goals from Block 1's Martha - finding the back of the net. Special mentions must go to Georgie (Block 4) with five goals, Henry (Block 5) with six goals, Hari with seven goals, Brooke with seven goals and Tom with five goals. In the end the ultimate honour went to Bo, who clinched the Golden Stick with an incredible 10 goals!
A special mention must go to Rupert (Block 3) for his unmatched versatility and commitment, playing for almost every team throughout the tournament! Henry (Block 3) was my Player of the Tournament for his incredible talent and standout skills; an exciting young player to watch. Masha (Block 4) was Tyler’s Player of the Tournament for her tireless work rate and explosive tackles.
A mention and enormous thank you also to our 6.2 Captains: Jonah, Bo, Aidan, Eliza, Tilly, Clara, Siena, Rosy, Esmae, Pandora, Eliza, Evie and Harry. All of them made sure that every member of their team felt valued and included. They led their teams with kindness whilst also keeping them motivated and helping get the best out of each and every player; we couldn’t have asked for better role models.
A huge well done to everyone who took part in this year’s Hockey Fest. It was a fantastic celebration of teamwork, competition and the joy of sport and an absolute pleasure to be a part of. We’re already looking forward to making the Bedales Summer Hockey Fest 2026 even bigger and better!
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