Old Oakhamian Alex Stadler (15) will be representing Germany at the Olympics in Tokyo, as goalkeeper for Germany’s Men’s Olympic hockey squad. The contest starts this weekend, and the team will play five group matches, with the top four in each pool qualifying for the quarter finals. Their first game will be against Canada this Saturday.
“It will not surprise me if Germany wins a medal at the Games and Alex is recognised as one of the best Goalkeepers of the tournament”, says Director of Hockey James Bateman. “He has a special talent and has been crucial for Germany, remaining unbeaten since his debut with the German national team last September.”
Alex’s appearance makes it the third time running that Oakhamians have played hockey in the Olympic Games, with Oakham’s first Olympic Hockey player, Crista Cullen, winning Bronze in London 2012 and Gold in Rio in 2019.
Meanwhile five Oakhamians have been selected for the Futures Cup to be held in St Albans, UK between 25 and 28 August.
Pennine Pumas (U15): Evelyn B
Mercia Lynx (U15): Daisy J
Mercia Lynx (U17): Violet O’N, Tilly O’B, Immi O’N
The Futures Cup is the pinnacle of the England Hockey’s Player Pathway. Each age group is split into four squads of 20 players – the Mercia Lynx, Pennine Pumas, Saxon Tigers and Wessex Leopards. The squads will take part in two days of intensive training before going into a four-day tournament against each other and teams from Scotland and Wales. The National Age Group Coaches also attend this tournament to select for the England U16 and U18 squads.
James commented, “I’m so proud of our pupils who have been selected for the Futures Cup. It is such a wonderful tournament. I’m equally as proud of pupils Christopher, Will, Gabi, Georgia and Orla who have been members of the Performance Centre Squads during this challenging period. It has been a tough 18 months for everyone and these Oakhamians have shown a real commitment to developing their hockey skills. They should be delighted with what they have achieved.
Oakham’s 1st XI Hockey Captains Becca M and Ben C were also part of the Great Britain Elite Development Squad and England U18 selection squads this academic year.
Find out more about Hockey at Oakham.
