Hockey

Ardingly College’s Hockey programme is a dynamic blend of elite training, competitive fixtures, and inclusive participation, designed to nurture talent and build character both on and off the pitch.
At Ardingly College, hockey is more than just a sport—it is a platform for personal growth, resilience, and lifelong passion. Join us to experience a programme where every player is supported to reach their full potential while contributing to a legacy of excellence.
World Class Training
Our hockey initiative benefits from two astro-turf pitches, where expert coaches - many of whom have played at international levels - provide tailored sessions. Run by Joe Naughalty, former Wales International who gained 112 international caps for his country at the highest level and currently coaching and playing in the national league whilst working as a consultant coach for England and Great Britain Hockey. Alongside Joe, Ireland international Chloe Brown adds her considerable outdoor and indoor experience to the setup, adding a brand-new specialist indoor programme to the offering. Other staff include experienced individuals ranging from league and international players to national league level coaches. The programme emphasises technical skill, tactical awareness, and the importance of teamwork in a supportive yet competitive environment.
Year-round Hockey
The Hockey programme is diverse and varied throughout the school, offering Hockey in one form or another, year-round. For the girls, Hockey is the flagship sport and is offered in the Michaelmas and Lent terms as well as performance pathways and club sessions in the Trinity term.
Performance Pathway
For our most talented players, the Performance Pathway offers additional, bespoke training sessions designed to elevate skills and strategic understanding. This initiative enables students to balance their academic commitments while progressing through higher levels of competitive play. Within this, students will be afforded the opportunity to get 1:1 feedback and training sessions built around their timetables. Sessions provided over the past year have included nutritional advice, mental health, tactical and video analysis sessions and meetings on school culture and ethos.
Recent Team and Individual Success
The competitive spirit of our teams is vividly reflected in recent achievements. In 2024, our boys’ team secured a historic win in the England Hockey Tier 2 National Cup Final—a landmark moment that underscores the high calibre of our coaching and player development. Equally impressive, our girls’ team, who take part in a dedicated two-term hockey programme, have qualified for the 2025 final, demonstrating their exceptional talent and determination. In recent years the school has produced many internationals from U16 and U18 level all the way up to the full Great Britain squad and Ardingly continues to be proud of the player pathway on offer.