JERSEY Hockey’s U17 Boys squad travelled yesterday to Nottingham for the National Counties Championships.
The competition begins today and finishes on Wednesday.
After the success of the U17 Girls last week, the boys team heads into this year’s tournament determined to build on an impressive third-place finish in 2025.
Having established themselves as one of the leading county teams in the competition, Jersey will once again face six matches over three days against some of the strongest age-group sides from across England.
With 40 counties and 47 playing squads competing, the tournament promises to be one of the biggest and most competitive yet.
The squad has prepared extensively for the tournament, with a focus on maintaining the intensity, discipline and teamwork needed to compete across a demanding schedule of matches.
Lead Coach Graeme Ferguson said: “Last year we perhaps arrived as an unknown quantity, but Jersey Hockey has earned a great deal of respect since then.
“The expectations are higher this year, but that’s a challenge the players have embraced. They’ve worked incredibly hard in preparation and are excited to represent Jersey.
“If we perform to our potential, we’ll give ourselves every opportunity to improve on last year’s achievement.”
Ferguson also acknowledged the many people who have supported the team’s preparations.
“We’re incredibly grateful to our junior hockey sponsors, Walkers and the Jersey Sports Travel Fund, for making opportunities like this possible, and to everyone who has helped prepare the squad.
“In particular, I’d like to thank assistant coaches Kelly Cutting and Chrissie Helmholt-Kneisel, Bill Aston and Dom Simpson for their coaching support, and Sarah Heelis for the outstanding work she has done behind the scenes to organise the trip.”
Jersey has been drawn in Group A and will play five matches across the opening two days.
The top teams from the group stages will progress to the knockout rounds tomorrow, Wednesday 22 July, where the final placings will be decided.
FIXTURES
Monday 20 July
2.10pm: Jersey vs Cornwall
4.30pm: Jersey vs Shropshire
Tuesday 21 July
10.00am: Jersey vs Berkshire
12.20pm: Jersey vs Essex
2.40pm: Jersey vs Hampshire
Jersey U17 Boys: Rufus Aston, Louis Bell, Harry Cutting, Ollie Ferguson, Rex Frigot, Hugo Gomersall, Ed Hodgson, Kobi Helmholt-Kneisel, Jake Le Boutillier, Harry Le Brocq, Lucas McAllister, Zane Simpson, William Smith, Ben Vieira, Will Wilson (GK)
Coaches: Graeme Ferguson, Kelly Cutting & Chrissie Helmholt-Kneisel
