Highfield and Brookham Head Boy selected for prestigious UK Lions programme

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Highfield and Brookham School is celebrating the success of Head Boy and Year 8 pupil Rupert Elmore, who has been selected for the prestigious U14 UK Lions programme following an outstanding performance at the U13 Regional Hockey Championships.

Representing the South Saxons at the tournament, held at the National Hockey Centre in Nottingham, Rupert captained his side to victory in the third/fourth place play-off after both South Saxons teams progressed to the semi-finals of the national competition. The tournament brought together 11 regional squads from across the UK, providing an opportunity for the country’s most promising young players to compete at the highest level.

At the conclusion of the championships, Rupert received an invitation to join the U14 UK Lions for the 2026/27 season. Over the coming year, he will take part in an extensive programme of training camps in the UK and overseas, culminating in a major tournament in August 2027.

Rupert said: “At the end of a fantastic weekend of hockey in Nottingham, I was thrilled to have been selected for the UK Lions. I’m really excited to have this opportunity and am looking forward to getting to know, and playing alongside, some amazing hockey players from all over the UK.”

Rupert’s selection reflects years of dedication to hockey, supported by Highfield and Brookham’s strong sporting provision. Set within 175 acres of Hampshire countryside in Liphook, Highfield and Brookham is a leading co-educational independent prep school where sport plays a central role in school life. Since opening its full-size International Hockey Federation (FIH) standard astro pitch in 2020, the school has continued to invest in first-class sporting facilities. Specialist coaching and a broad programme of competitive sport enable pupils such as Rupert to compete at local, regional and national level while balancing their academic studies.

Mrs Suzannah Cryer, Head of Highfield and Brookham School, said: “We are incredibly proud of Rupert on this fantastic achievement. As our Head Boy, he has led by example and has been a wonderful role model for younger pupils. His selection for the UK Lions is thoroughly deserved and is a fitting reward for the commitment and passion he has shown to hockey over many years. We have loved watching Rupert grow during his time at Highfield and Brookham and are delighted to see him rewarded with this exciting opportunity. We wish him every success as he embarks on this next chapter.”

Photo credit: Hockey Today