Catching up with our Captains

It has been an enthralling term for sport at Kingswood, with some fantastic fixtures and results across the board. We caught up with the captains of the 1st XI rugby and hockey team to hear their thoughts of the season.

To kick off, we spoke to Year 13 pupil and captain of the 1st XI Girls Hockey team, Issy. 

What have you enjoyed most about captaining the 1st team this year? 

Watching the team improve over the season and become closer as friends and teammates. I have enjoyed leading such a lovely group of girls and offering my support and ideas at team talks and training.

What has been your favourite highlight of the season?

Bus Karaoke parties on the way back from away games, particularly on the way back from BGS and Dauntseys. Our team spirit shines brightest before a match, whether it's a 'well done' or a positive attitude before the game. The arrival of our new kit is also a definite highlight!

What is the key to a successful team? 

• Knowing each other really well and making an effort to be close with all members of the team. 
• Being able to have fun together on and off the pitch. 
• Spend time as a team outside of training and playing hockey.
   

What advice would you give to next year's captain? 

Take charge of the team when necessary but always let your teammates have an opinion and be open to ideas from everyone. Treat the responsibility as a team effort rather than you being the leader, remember there’s no I in team! Also, order kit at the start of the season and have at least one social before half term!

It is clear that friendship and trust are the foundations of the success of this team. A huge well done to Issy on her captaincy and skill in leading her team so effortlessly through the term. Bring on next season! 

Moving onto rugby, we spoke to Fraser, 1st XI Captain and Charlie, Vice-Captain about their season and what advice they have for future 1st team players. 

What has been the most encouraging moment to witness this term? 

Fraser: We began training in January to ensure we were at the top of our game and ready for the Kingswood Pre-Season Festival in September - undoubtedly one of the biggest events of the season. During this tournament, we played one of the best rugby schools in the country, Millfield.  During this game we came into a scrum and were able to push back the opposition. This moment defined the hard work of our team and the commitment our players had to train in the lead-up to the season. When I saw this from the side-lines I was over the moon and encouraged for the term ahead of us.

What makes Kingswood Rugby unique? 

Fraser: The balance of professionalism and having fun. It is the teams' attitude that has won 9 out of 10 games this year.

Charlie: We set our objectives and expectations early for the year, this is what makes our Rugby unique.  Our whole team believes in our goals and works hard to achieve them. It is a great atmosphere to be in when we can celebrate these cool moments.

What have been the top three highlights this season? 

Fraser: Coming from a tight and disappointing loss before half term and then refocusing and training our attention to our next match, that we ultimately won. This was a definite highlight.

Charlie: This moment also clearly illustrated the resilience of our team and how well we learnt from the loss and turned our mistakes into action.

Fraser: The way our two year groups have merged and connected off the pitch has created a great atmosphere in the squad, and that has been really great to see around school.

Charlie: Pre-season Day was a definite highlight! Seeing our team arrive with months of training behind us and a huge drive to succeed was an epic moment.

What advice can you give to the younger Kingswood players who would like to be in the 1st team? 

Fraser: It's obvious, if you want something you need to work hard for it. The extra work you put in, will pay off and give you the results you want. If you are in the lower school and really want to make the 1st team, chase that dream. If you want it, people are there to help you and the opportunity is there to be taken.

Charlie: Hard work is key, but having balance is also essential. Make the most of your training but also allow yourself to recover and enjoy time outside of Rugby.

What makes a great team?

Charlie: Being Connected.

Fraser: Commitment.

Congratulations to you both, it is evident that your teams' dedication to training has massively paid off. Fraser has shown true resilience in his captaincy this year after an unfortunate injury just before the start of the season. Nonetheless, his passion and loyalty to his team rang true as he stood every day from the side-lines to support his team. We look forward to watching Charlie take over the reins next year for what we are sure, will be another excellent season.