Cumnor House Sussex Crowned IAPS U13 Girls’ Hockey National Champions

Cumnor House School (CHS) triumphed against the odds to become the first stand-alone independent prep school to win the IAPS U13 Girls’ Hockey National Championship since 2016.

Competing against the top 20 IAPS teams at the National tournament, held at Haileybury School, on 25th November, the win was the culmination of regional rounds with up to 100 teams participating.

Alongside this National prize, CHS U13 hockey has had an outstanding season with wins in both the UKSA and Worth School’s hockey tournaments as well as an unbeaten run in all of this season’s fixtures. The success has been long worked for: the coach, Caroline Park, notes that, “They are such a talented group of girls, who have shown strong potential since they were in Year 3. Always eager to learn, they have a strong work ethic, are team players and are a pleasure to coach.”

The school’s ethos of always aiming for excellence is typified in this approach from the coaching staff. Mrs Park notes, “I think it is extremely important to give them the freedom to grow in confidence, allowing them to play creatively without a fear of failure, lessons that will stand them in good stead as they progress to senior schools.” The Cumnor U13 captain spoke for the team and said, “Our team was determined to win. We were all very committed to the training beforehand which made us even more hungry to succeed. Before every game we always have a team talk and go into a match with the right collective mindset.”

The Prep School’s Headmaster, Fergus Llewellyn, said, “I am immensely proud of what the girls have achieved, and our incredibly talented and dedicated Sports’ department. A huge thank you to all the parents who have supported the team throughout the season and especially on the day.” 


08.12.22