Pelicans Under-10s are crowned county champions

Ten years ago, Graham Brooks played an instrumental role in helping youngsters from Pelicans Hockey Club into a regional final.

A decade later, Brooks has helped the latest crop of Under-10 talent emerging from the club to be crowned county champions at Dereham in what has been very much a team effort throughout the club.

Many of the current side started their hockey career with Hockey Heroes, the England Hockey course, run by Pelicans Hockey Club twice during the hockey season.

Under-10 boys from Pelicans Hockey Club (63160159)
Under-10 boys from Pelicans Hockey Club (63160159)

Tracy Bower and her team of helpers are great at building a love for the sport with this age group.

The Under-8s was the next stepping-stone to build on skills and teamwork, led by Lee Dowers, Chris Page and a team of helpers.

The majority of the team were in their second year of playing for the Under-10s.

The likes of Kirwin Christoffels, Kiona Sequeira, Katie Page, Martin Metcalfe, Dugan Aylen and Hannah Aldous have all contributed to their training.

Even Wayne Masters, along with Sam Phillips, Ben Allen and Ben Hipperson, have provided their input when called upon while the goalkeepers are coached by Lucy Sagrott and Cerys Millard.

In their opening game against a strong Norwich Dragons side, a goal from Toby Ring was enough to secure a 1-0 victory.

Pelicans replicated the score in their next game against Harleston Magpies thanks to a perfect strike from Henry Ashby.

A goalless draw against North Norfolk followed in their next outing as Pelicans found themselves second in their group going into their final two games.

In their fourth game, home outfit Dereham were comprehensively beaten 6-0 with Ring scoring a hat-trick and Ashby, Luca Gilbert and Maximus Hawkins also finding the back of the net.

Pelicans went into their fifth and final game against Norwich City needing a win to secure top spot.

And they didn’t disappoint as Ring (2), Ashby (2) and Gilbert all scored in a fine 5-0 win.

Special thanks goes to Arran Woodcock and Chloe Richardson who travelled with Pelicans to be umpires for the whole day at the competition, while Samantha Woodcock helped out in the kitchen.



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