Three Clifton College pupils selected for U21 Junior World Cup

Clifton College is celebrating outstanding hockey success as current pupil Evie, and Old Cliftonians Tilly and Eloise have been selected to represent England and Wales at the U21 Junior World Cup - with Evie one of only three school pupils nationwide chosen for the England squad.

This remarkable achievement highlights not only the exceptional talent of the players but also Clifton College’s strong reputation for high-performance hockey.

Evie, who currently represents Clifton College 1st XI alongside playing for Clifton Robinsons Ladies 1st Team in the Premier League, reflects on her hockey journey at Clifton so far:

“Being able to play Club Hockey on a Saturday has been fully supported by Clifton College, and now to play all our Home Premier League fixtures with Clifton Robinsons on our own School Hockey pitch at Beggar’s Bush makes it all the more special.”

Joining her on the world stage are Old Cliftonians Tilly and Eloise, both of whom have already made significant strides in their hockey careers.

Tilly, who joined Clifton College in Year 9 after five years of playing hockey, reflected on how her time at the school transformed her game:

“Clifton College helped me realise my true potential by exposing me to a competitive and high-level environment I hadn’t experienced before. The school’s support and encouragement made me fall in love with hockey even more. I’m so grateful for the opportunities it gave me - including representing Wales U21 and Senior Women’s sides and playing for Clifton Robinsons 1st XI in the Premier League.”

Eloise, also joining in Year 9 on a hockey scholarship, credited Clifton for nurturing both her skill and passion for the game:

“Clifton provided the perfect environment to develop as a player. The hockey coaches were incredible and supported me through my international journey, helping balance academics, school hockey, and club commitments with Clifton Robinsons.”

Director of Hockey at Clifton College, Olly Keenan, praised the trio’s achievements, saying:

“We are immensely proud of Evie, Tilly, and Eloise. Their commitment, skill, and leadership both on and off the pitch reflect the values of Clifton College Hockey. To have three players from our community at the Junior World Cup is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the girls. They are great role models to all of our young aspiring hockey players from the Prep School and Upper School. I have no doubt that the girls will do the school proud in the upcoming tournament in Chile.”

Clifton College continues to build on its legacy of sporting excellence, with its state-of-the-art facilities at Beggar’s Bush and its partnership with Clifton Robinsons Hockey Club, offering students a unique platform to play, learn, and excel at the highest levels of the sport. Currently the Girls Hockey team has 16 players involved in Premier or National League squads, as well as 9 players involved in International Pathways/trials.