Alton’s under-14 boys enjoyed a superb run to the quarter-finals of the England Hockey T2 under-14 boys’ Championship Cup.

After progressing through several rounds Alton exited the national competition in the quarter-finals against Guildford.

Captained by Amery Hill student Owen Poulton, the players in the under-14 squad come from a number of state and independent schools in the area including Eggar’s, Amery Hill, Edgeborough, Weydon, Lord Wandsworth College, Embley, Robert May’s School, Churcher’s and Perins.

Poulton said: “I’m really proud of how the team pulled together.

“We had some tough matches and at times battled the weather, as well as the opposition.

“We’re really looking forward to our next challenge and the opportunities that come with it.”

Alton have an active junior section that practise every week and play more than 100 games and tournaments every season.

The community-based sports club’s ethos is to focus on encouraging everyone to play and enjoy their hockey, whatever their standard, as well as providing additional support for players who wish to improve.

Many of the boys and girls progress to play for Hampshire and Surrey, as well as participating in England Hockey’s talent academies.

Ex-Alton player Alex Danson-Bennett was appointed England Hockey president last year after representing England and Great Britain in more than 400 games and winning gold in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games.

Alton Hockey Club junior chairman Will Butler said: “Every week we have between 200 and 250 children of all ages and more than 20 volunteers coaching them on the hockey pitch, and our junior section has never been stronger.

“Alton is a family-friendly hockey club where I started playing when I was ten years old, and where my kids now play too, so the success of our under-14 boys this season in the England Hockey Championship is something that everyone across the club celebrates.”