The under-12 boys from Wotton-under-Edge Hockey Club have every reason to be proud of themselves.

And let’s not forget the one girl, Lena Brewer, who has been part of the squad for many years, and more than played her part when the squad took part in Indoor Hockey UK’s biggest indoor festival.

And they did far more than just make up the numbers. The squad – Morgan Garside, Jack Sparrow, Jacob Edwards, Reuben Edwards, Benjamin Pullin, Sam Bryson, Scott Patteson and Lena – performed very well indeed.

It was a top tournament, taking place at the Copper Box arena within the Olympic Park London, which was also the venue for the handball at the London Olympics.

And it’s not just the youngsters at Wotton who should be proud.

The sports department at Katharine Lady Berkeley’s School should also be proud.

“We are on very good terms with the sports department at KLB. Of the eight who played, six are in year seven at KLB and two are year six so will attend next year,” said Wotton coach Andy Edwards.

Andy is perhaps the proudest of them all though.

“As the coach I felt very proud of the team’s achievements at our first indoor hockey tournament,” he said.

“The team played five group games, winning all five and only conceding one goal.

“Due to the number of teams entered, there were three groups, so despite topping our group we played off for the third/fourth place spot as two other teams were also undefeated and had a better goal difference.

“The play-off ended 0-0, which meant the game had to be decided on penalty shuffles. Despite a great effort from the players we lost the shootout and ended the tournament in fourth place.”

Despite losing out on third place by the narrowest of margins, the experience was all good for the team.

“For me, a highlight was the amount of interest our team created with many of the opposition teams,” Andy said.

“On a number of occasions, they wanted to know more about the players and where we came from due to the level of hockey we played.

“For the team, I think the whole event was a highlight, from the mini tour feel of a team meal to the arena with the big screens replaying the action in slow motion.

“The crowning glory was probably getting Surbiton in the play-off.

“They won the men’s premier league and men’s indoor finals last year under the management/coaching of Mark Pearn, an ex-KLB student. They also have the largest junior section in the country.

“That was the fixture we wanted going into this tournament; an opportunity to play against some of the best teams in the country.”

Achievements aside, the team also boast a great spirit.

“The team have been playing together for five years and have really grown into a great group of hockey players and friends,” said Andy.

And Andy certainly knows what he’s talking about when it comes to all things hockey.

“I am an ex-KLB student and that’s where I started hockey,” he said.

“I played at Gloucester City until my early 20s.

“I returned to hockey when the pitch was laid at KLB and took my children down to a trial session.

“There was an adults return to hockey session which was taking place after and I was persuaded to join in.

“One week the club were short of coaches for the juniors. I was pitchside watching and had taught kids jujitsu for a couple of years, so I volunteered. That was how my hockey coaching journey began.”

And he’s done a pretty good job so far.

“I and fellow Wotton coach Mark Pullin coached at junior county level in 2017. Our coaching was recognised at the regular Gloucestershire Hockey Association festivals that our teams attend,” he said.

So, what’s coming up for Wotton’s under-12s in 2018?

“Their next challenge is the County Cup in March, where we will be playing for a spot in the regional finals and more opportunities to play against top opposition,” said Andy.

“We played our year six players against the KLB year 7 A, B and C teams last year as an introduction to the school. The fixture was called the Futures Cup and is something we hope to do again this year.”

And what about the talented coach’s personal hockey goals?

“I’m a member of Wotton’s men’s 1st team,” he said. “We’re battling to maintain our newly promoted position within the West Premiership, and are hoping for a good performance when we host Reading in the cup in February. Reading are currently third in the England Hockey Premiership, so it will be a very tough test.”

Watch this space – Andy Edwards and his teams are on the way up.