Bedford Hockey Club is delighted to announce that the GU16's have been honoured with the Team of the Year accolade at the Bedford Sports Awards in the category sponsored by the University of Bedfordshire. Bedford HC Girls U16’s team became the most successful junior team in the clubs recent history after winning the Tier 2 Midlands Area finals competition back in April 2018. The team went through the local qualifiers unbeaten scoring over 23 goals and only conceding 4 and then were undefeated at the area finals day in Kings Lynn.

This season they have continued where they left off with a record breaking 17-0 win against Northampton Saints. Pictured collecting the award on behalf of the team were left to right Cerys Peppiatt, Alexa Wilson, Ellie Scott, Alice Baker and Grace Brady.

The squad all have fantastic potential to develop their hockey at Bedford. Captain Ellie Scott has already played for the first team at the age of just 15 whilst Florence Miller was selected in the England National Age Group - NAG's squad after shining at the Futures Cup. Holly Smith, Sophia Gallagher and Lucy Willis were all selected for regional training squads and all of the girls are progressing up through BHC teams, as well as actively participating in other club opportunities including helping with juniors and umpiring qualifications.

Coach Kate Costin said " I am very proud that the girls efforts over the year have been rewarded with this coveted trophy, they are such a fantastic group and really play for each other which shows in their results. It's great for the club to have so many talented players coming through and really enjoying their hockey and the friendships they make along the way. The awards were a really inspiring event and it was wonderful to hear from local sports role models including Gail Emms and former BHC academy player Ellie Rattu who is now excelling in Netball."

Other successes at the Sports Awards included Maddie Axford being given a special Highly Commended certificate in Junior Sports Personality of the Year whilst the club only narrowly missed out on the Club of the Year award to Riverside Tennis Club. New participation initiative Walking Hockey which has attracted over 50 people since its inception during the summer.