Two Framlingham College pupils are kick-starting 2025 with an exciting future in sport after being selected to play for England.
Sixth Form pupils Holly H (Year 12) and Beth G (Year 13) have their sights firmly set on a successful career in professional hockey after their incredible skills and sportsmanship caught the eyes of England talent scouts.
Confirming their selections back in December 2024, Holly will join the Under 18s and Beth the Under 21s.
Holly H will join England Hockey U18
Having joined Framlingham College Sixth Form this academic year, Holly said: “My hockey journey at Framlingham has been an incredible experience. Having only joined Framlingham College this year, I was unsure what to expect with a new school and new people. However, from the beginning, I was so impressed by the strong hockey culture and the support from the coaches and teammates, and it didn’t take long for me to feel at home both on and off the pitch.
“In this short but exciting time, the team has gone on tour to Belgium for our pre-season training – an experience that so few have, and I’m very grateful to be given such amazing opportunities. This season, we’ve played in some incredible matches and celebrated the opening of our new Inskips Astro pitch. Whether winning or losing, sharing the journey with such a talented, fun, hardworking team has made my passion for hockey so much stronger.”
Beth G will join England Hockey U21
Now in her final year of Sixth Form at Framlingham, Beth G said: “At Framlingham we are so lucky to have such incredible coaching staff, Lisa Letchford (Team GB Olympian) and Andy Halliday (Team GB coach), they have been instrumental in my growth as an individual and as a hockey player.”
Talking about being selected, Holly and Beth said: “When we found out, we were both absolutely thrilled, surprised, and elated. Representing England has been a dream, so it was an incredible moment for us and our families.
“The process was intense but rewarding. It involved attending multiple two-and-three-day trials where we were assessed on our hockey skills, fitness, teamwork and ability to perform under pressure. Getting into England isn’t just down to performing well at assessments, it’s a long process of taking something positive from every single training session or match, whether it’s a success or failure.”
Following in the footsteps of Framlingham College alumni Anna C (England U18 and 2023 European Championships), Hollie D-R (England U21) and Georgie G (England U18, U21, 2023 World Cup in Chile, and Team GB Senior), the sports pathways and professional sporting opportunities at Framlingham continue to grow and flourish.
Talking about the girls’ selection and the sports pathways available at Framlingham College, Head of Hockey, Lisa Letchford, said: “This is fantastic news for Holly and Beth who both thoroughly deserve the accolade of playing for England. They both embody what is means to be a Framlinghamian and dedicated sportswomen.
“We have a plethora of sports pathways and opportunities at Framlingham, from scholarships, MT13 camps, training programmes, European trips and tours.
“Scholarships are available for those age 11+, 13+ and 16+. Whilst these offer additional support with fees, our provision is particularly exceptional in that sports scholars get extra access to training sessions, 1-2-1 training with our performance coaches, development plans, video analysis training, regional matches, tailored strength and conditioning plans, physiotherapy and access to our gym*.
“For those aspiring for a career in professional sport, it is imperative is that you love the journey and not just the accolade for the destination. If you relish the training, enjoy the fitness, strive for improvements and don’t shy away from a challenge, then a sporting career is one of the most amazing journeys.
“One of the biggest elements of a sporting career is self-confidence – not necessarily in your current skills but in your motivation to push your abilities further. It’s not always the most talented that end up the Senior International, it’s those that work the hardest and know they can improve. If you are confident that you can always progress, and demonstrate that with every session, then there is the potential to be world class.”
Every pupil’s journey on and off the pitch is individual, and at Framlingham our dedicated sports coaches, personal tutors and pastoral care teams can help provide support for pupils to thrive.
Talking about how she balances sport and academics Hollie said: “Framlingham College has been fantastic in supporting my academics with my sporting commitments. All the coaches are so understanding, and they have been a vital part of my academic journey too. Wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do too, so no one on the team ever feels worried or overwhelmed with work.
“Being selected for England means so much to me because it reflects years of hard work, dedication, and support from my family, coaches, and teammates. I’m grateful for everyone who has helped me along my journey – I couldn’t have done it without them – and I’m looking forward to seeing how far this fantastic journey goes will take me.”
*Sixth Form only.
