ACADEMY Success & Testimonials

The Academy training schedule works around the Oaklands College Academic schedule with training sessions, usually taking place in the morning from 9:30AM to 12:00PM.

Paula Kolb

I came on a Gap year to play hockey in England & Sahc ladies 1XI, here at the home of Oaklands College. Long story short, I was introduced to the Head of Oaklands Hockey Academy. On my tour and assessment, I was informed, I could take a course here and have the opportunity of being in the Hockey program for my own development. Whilst here I represented Germany U18’s, I studied ESOL and played 1XI Team at St Albans. I went from being just a defender, to being comfortable playing anywhere on the pitch Ie circle to circle for all my teams. But if I was required to take a shot, I would tend to score, I got more out of setting my peeps up.

Lily Knott

Lily Knott studied animal care & English GCSE in the 1st year and pass in November in a resit, switched & studied sports coaching for 2yrs, represented England Colleges at U19s & U21s as a GK and played women’s 2XI at St Albans a Goalkeeper too. Now at Cardiff University continuing to study sports coaching and development and playing for the university 1st XI. I never thought university was on the cards, as I found School really hard. Once I found the right course and the support I got from my coaches John and Simon I Never looked back. I can’t believe how much I’ve improved and on my own game.

Here I learnt it is so much more enjoyable than that. I improved so much with John Hurst and Simon Archer Goalkeeping Coaching on a weekly basis.