HOCKEY AT KENT COLLEGE
Our hockey programme is led by Olympian Alastair Brogdon and delivered by a team of dedicated staff and additional external specialist coaches. The hockey coaching team is vastly experienced from national league through to international hockey. Our high-performance hockey pathway provides students with the coaching, facilities and competitive opportunities needed to progress.
Kent College has a strong link with local national league club, Canterbury. This allows our students to continue their development outside school hours in a high performance environment. Each year, numerous pupils play National League hockey with 6 current pupils representing Canterbury Hockey Club. Our programme has also played a key role in shaping the careers of some of the country’s top players. Former students Grace Balsdon and Lizzie Neal have gone on to become Great Britain Internationals, showcasing the standard of development and support available at Kent College.
Whether students are aspiring internationals or simply passionate about the sport, our inclusive yet ambitious programme ensures that every player can progress, enjoy their hockey and reach their full potential.
MEET THE DIRECTOR OF HOCKEY (GB OLYMPIAN)
Former Great Britain and England international, Alastair Brogdon, brings a wealth of elite playing and coaching experience to Kent College. With over 150 caps and appearances at major global tournaments - including the Rio Olympic Games - he has enjoyed career highlights such as European Championship Gold and Commonwealth Games Bronze.
Alastair has built a strong reputation as a coach and mentor. He coaches in the National League, is completing the GB Advanced Coach Programme, and works closely with young athletes as a True Athlete Project Mentor and Talented Athlete Lifestyle Support Advisor. He’s also an EMCC-qualified practitioner, giving him a grounding in performance psychology, player welfare, and long-term athlete development.
His passion is creating an environment where every student can thrive, building confidence, resilience, and personal growth through hockey.
RESULTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS 2024-25
- U12 & 13 boys hockey team won the boys county cup, with the U13 boys also winning the regionals while going on to finish 4th nationally.
- U14 boys competed in Tier 1, the highest level of England Hockey competition
- U16 Boys Tier 2 National Final - 2nd Place
- The 1st XI Boys compete in England Hockey Tier 1, putting us amongst the best schools nationally and the highest level in Kent
- Across the boys and girls U16 & U18 indoor hockey programmes we reached the South East regional finals
- 2 students selected for England Hockey trials, 10 currently involved in England Hockey Talent Academy Pathway with many students representing Kent hockey
KC ALUMNI
Former students Grace Balsdon and Lizzie Neal have gone on to become Great Britain internationals, showcasing the exceptional standard of development and support available at Kent College. Their journeys reflect the school’s commitment to nurturing talent both on and off the field.
Grace Balsdon:
- 150+ CAPS for England & GB
- Olympic Bronze Medalist
- Commonwealth Gold & Bronze Medalist
Lizzie Neal:
- 60+ CAPS for England & GB
- European Championships
- FIH Hockey Pro League
"THE COACHING AT KC IS REALLY NURTURING AND HELPS YOU DEVELOP AS A PERSON AND AS A PLAYER"
- Grace BalsdonEngland & GB Hockey Player
"DO AS MUCH SPORTS AS YOU CAN AS WHILST YOU'RE AT SCHOOL, AND MAKE THE MOST OF THE FACILITIES ON OFFER TO YOU"
- Lizzie NealEngland & GB Hockey Player
