Ten regional based teams from across the UK competed in the annual U13 Boys Championships at the Nottingham Hockey Centre between 15th and 17th June.  A further 5 teams competed in the Trophy competition.  Over the course of the 3 days some outstanding hockey was produce by the latest generation of young hockey stars drawn from across Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

There were strong teams entered from all parts of the country and different communities – the West Panthers, the North East, the North West (Tensworth), South Saxons, the Midlands, Wales, West Scotland, Ulster, the British Asian Hockey Association and Annandale.

Overseeing and officiating all the games was the Leeds Club – a highly experienced team of umpires and match officials.  The best junior boys hockey tournament at this age by a long, long way, the weekend was once again a show case for fabulous skills, flare, and great team work.  Parents and families watched on in anticipation as all the pool games were hard fought and very competitive.

Eventually Tensworth met West Panthers in an exhilarating Championship final in which Tensworth ran out the winners, thanks to a superb team performance capped by some moments of individual brilliance.

South Saxons were a deserved third having played the North East in the 3/4th play off.

In the Trophy completion West Panthers emerged as the winners in a keenly fought round robin of matches.  Amidst a great many talented players, Patrick Tenner was awarded the Peter Atkins Memorial Player of the Tournament, and Will Grant the GK of the Tournament – both are rising stars to keep an eye on.  The organisers wish to thank the Leeds Club, the Nottingham Hockey Centre, the coaches and parents, and Hockey Today for freely giving their time to make this tournament such a brilliant success and such an amazing experience for all the young hockey stars of tomorrow.