The TWHC Academy was founded in 2017 with the premise of providing a pathway for our leading juniors to transition from Sunday morning junior hockey to senior adult hockey on Saturdays. The original core consisted of just under 20 girls and boys and they began training together weekly. The emphasis was no longer on team performance but on improving individual's skill-sets and game-craft.

Since day one this group have proved themselves to be hugely coachable. They are respectful, attentive, intelligent and all possess a little bit of sass and humour that means even the toughest sessions are completed with a smile. Over the past 4 seasons their individual progression has been constant and just hugely rewarding to see. After being associated with TWHC since the age of 14, I can safely say, that collectively, they are the most talented age group that has ever been at the club to date (with achievements including winning a West Kent League, a Kent Cup and an Adult’s League !)

Due to the growing size of the Academy (70 children will be attending in September), we now have to finish the Academy cycle at the U16 age group. To celebrate the success of this first special group, we have recently run a Graduation event for them. This consisted of a game against a select TWHC XI (the Academy won 7-5 in a great game), a graduation ceremony (with personalised graduate playing kit, medals and certificates awarded) and a BBQ and drinks to finish.

It was a hugely enjoyable and rewarding event. I know that these graduates will prove to be a group that forms a strong foundation for TWHC’s advancement as a hockey club. Even more important than this, they will do it in the right way with their brilliant personalities. I couldn’t have asked for a better first graduation class and I will miss coaching them hugely.

My thanks and best wishes go to all of these pioneers:

Harriet Sacker, Eloise Camburn, Tilly Spark, Izzy Giles & Hattie Cruse
Sam Judge, Mack Crawford, Finn Page, Toby Sambrook, Zach Olette, Ethan Mathers, Tim Clouston, Tommy Barlow, Ethan Gillespie, Angus Currie, Josh Taylor & George Davis

Judgie