A fine example of School sport, community links and young leaders took place with the annual Gillingham Family Hockey festival.

On a fine but cold evening 80 young players aged 10/11 from 8 different schools met to enjoy good sporting competition and demonstrate their Hockey skills. At least one school entered for the first time following a Quiksticks demonstration morning using Partnership provided equipment, and it was really good to see the obvious enjoyment and enthusiasm from all the participants. It was also noticeable how the skill level and game play is continually rising, and a show of hands revealed that more than half the players present regularly play their Hockey outside of school at Gillingham Hockey Club based at Gillingham School astroturf.

Charlie Coward from Gillingham Hockey Club was on hand to present the trophy, and she spent time with all 8 teams individually outlining the coaching and playing opportunities the club provides. The teams also met Alex Ross and Bethan Williamson, the 2 Partnership sports ambassadors from Gillingham School who discussed the importance of sport with the youngsters as well as helping with the smooth running of the tournament by timing and completing the scoresheets.

The matches were superbly refereed by a team of 24 young leaders from Years 9 and 10 who acted as great role models and explained their decisions to the players to help increase understanding of the game.

The pool matches produced some high scoring games and resulted in 2 contrasting semi finals. Mere beat Whitesheet 2-0, but nothing could separate St.Georges Bourton and Gillingham Primary in normal or even extra time. This meant a 1 v 1 dribble and shoot competition had to take place, narrowly won by Gillingham which meant they faced Mere in the final. Mere edged this 1-0 to be crowned deserved family champions, and boy did they celebrate getting their hands on the trophy in style!

Teams who competed were: Mere School, Gillingham Primary, Whitesheet, St.George's Bourton, St. Mary's Marnhull, St.Gregory's, Wyke, St. Mary the Virgin.

Many thanks to all the parents who appreciated and supported good play regardless of school allegiances, to the teachers for their hard work in preparing the teams, and to the St.Johns Ambulance team who had 15 customers: fortunately nothing too serious!

Rosie Thompson

SSCo Gillingham School