A Coventry student has been selected as one of the top young hockey players in the country – and will feature against other nations in competitive matches next year.
Jake Wade, 17, has been selected for the AoC Sport England College’s Men’s Hockey Squad for the 2022-23 season, and will link up with 23 other top prospects from across the country ahead of his first international fixtures next year.
The BTEC Level 3 Sport student from Coventry has played hockey since the age of four, taking after father Greg and brother Adam who have both played for national sides.
The trial, which took place at Reading Hockey Club, saw more than 70 young players competing for a place on the squad.
Jake is set to take part in a training camp in February next year, with friendlies against England, Wales, Scotland, and British Asians youth teams already in the calendar.
Jake said: “I was over the moon when I heard I had been selected for the squad, and it was a great feeling to make my family proud and I’m really looking forward to getting started.
“I’ve played hockey at every opportunity since a very young age, and my dad and brother have both played at a similar level too, so it’s really nice to continue the tradition.
“It’s great to be able to play at every opportunity while studying something which I am passionate about in sports at Coventry College.”
Jake has been able to access elite-level training and competition alongside his studies thanks to the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme’s Dual Career Accreditation, which has given him flexibility with his timetable while being supported by Coventry College staff on his Sport study programme.
Chris Phillips, Sports Lecturer at Coventry College, said: “We are thrilled that Jake has been selected as part of the men’s college’s squad.
“He is a hardworking student and we are sure he will make the most of this brilliant opportunity.”
For more information about sport courses at Coventry College visit www.coventrycollege.ac.uk/subject/sport