Talent Centre Accreditation

I am delighted to report that we have been accredited by England Hockey as a Talent Centre. We have been going through the accreditation process for the last 12 months, and many of our volunteers have put in a huge amount of work to achieve this. To date, there are only 33 clubs across the country that have achieved this accreditation. England Hockey's definition of a talent Centre is as follows:

A Talent Centre club is a club that provides high quality provision for players at early talent development level (Talent Foundations). This provision will be embedded within the club’s junior programme. Talent Centre accreditation recognises the quality of a club’s talent development environment and provision, not individual players.

As a club, we are proud of the provision we provide to so many local youngsters, both members of the club and as part of our outreach programme in local primary schools and beginner groups. The Talent Centre is about all of these; we can develop talent in all players no matter what stage of development they are currently at.

U16 Boys

vs Wallingford - 2-3 (12 November 2023)

Scorers: Bertie, Tom L

Winchester suffered their first defeat of the season at the hands of a determined Wallingford side. On the back of three straight league victories, the boys were in a confident mood for this South Central tier 1 league fixture. In the early stages, Winchester were dominant, moving the ball quickly, and creating chances. The first goal came from a well worked short corner, which Bertie finished with a clean strike from the top of the D. At this stage, Winchester were in control of the game, and should have been further ahead. Chances came and went, and any dangers were comfortably shut down by our defence, where Rory was in particularly commanding form. The half time team talk was based around more of the same, but 1-0 is an uncomfortable score, and so it proved as Wallingford upped their game and scored three quick fire goals half way through the second half. Winchester were rocked, and to be fair fought back valiantly. The pace and intensity of the game was raised and a succession of attacks finally brought a goal back, finished at the back post by Tom L. Despite continued dominance Winchester couldn't find the equaliser and will now need two good results in their quest for a Supra League place.

This was a wake up call for the boys who have cruised through the season so far. There are no easy matches in tier 1 leagues. Chances need to be taken during periods of dominance, as opposition will undoubtedly strike back at some point. All our opposition are strong and improving, and it will be important to maintain our intensity in training and matches if this talented group of boys are to achieve their obvious potential.

U12 Girls

vs Trojans

The rain stayed away on Sunday for an enjoyable morning of competitive hockey against local rivals, Trojans, bringing two teams and Winchester fielding three teams. It was great to be able to get matches for all.

Special thanks to everyone who brought snacks to share and also a BIG thank you to Anna H and Sophia T who stepped up as keepers.