The U13 Boys regional tournament recently held at the Nottingham Hockey Centre has been hailed another success as it nears 30 years of competition, writes Mark Darlington.
Organised by the North East of England School and Youth Hockey Association, the tournament involves 10 teams in the Championship and a further 10 teams in the Trophy competition over three days.
In the pool stages many of the games could have gone either way, as each team gave it everything to overcome their opponents. South Wales made an impressive debut in the Championship, and it was great to see the return of BAHA.
Along with Mercian Marauders, Anglian Eagles, Saxons, and Tensworth everyone can be proud of their team performances.
It was junior hockey played at its very best, a fantastic watch for all the supporting parents and spectators. The Championship semi-finals were closely fought with West Panthers emerging victorious against Ulster, and South Saxons narrowly beating the North East.
The whole event could not be undertaken without the fantastic support of all of the umpires and officials, otherwise known as the Leeds Club; the 3rd team on the pitch were terrific in supporting all the players.
All the games were hotly contested, not surprising given the amount of talented young hockey players on display from across the UK.
In the final South Saxons beat West Panthers to claim the Championship, with North East finishing third and Ulster fourth.
In the Trophy Midland Marauders pipped Ulster, with North East finishing third and Tensworth fourth.
The outfield player of the Championship tournament was Kinan Al Shamaa from South Wales. And the Goalkeeper of the tournament was Austin Skinner from Anglian Eagles.
The outfield player of the Trophy tournament was Sam McCloud Smith from Trent Raiders and the Goalkeeper of the tournament was Sam Ritchie from NI Giants.
The girls U13 tournament takes place July 12-14 at the Nottingham Hockey Centre.
