Hockey Squads' Record Breaking Feat

St Bede's School, Upper Dicker, are now the Current holders of every Sussex County Hockey Cup, for all the Boys’ age groups: U14, U15, U16 and U18.

This is an amazing feat by St Bede's that has not happened at the school before, and we are not sure if any other school has ever achieved this. Hockey has grown at St Bede's since international coach Steve Paxton arrived at the school two years ago to take over as Director of Hockey. Said Steve: ‘The boys’ success is due to the basics being taught properly and exposure to Club hockey. Both our boys and girls play hockey all year round and indoor hockey is also included in the training programme, thus helping with close ball skills and various structure coaching such as how to press a team etc. The school is lucky to have two coaches per team, all of whom have played at County level or above in their day. This makes sure that the students who choose hockey (it is not compulsory) get the best out of their choice and have the best possible chance of achieving their true potential, whether this is international level or a school A or B team.

Hockey at St Bede's has grown in leaps and bounds and with the school hoping to install a Water Base Artificial playing surface, and with tours in the pipeline to Argentina and Holland - where hockey is played with flair and pace - the students at St Bede's will keep up this magnificent standard.

Steve is also Head Coach at Eastbourne Hockey Club.