Two Ron Dearing students have set their sights on sporting success after being selected to play at county level in their respective sports.
Hockey player, Isla Hartley and budding Rugby Union star Charlie Thackary have both taken a step closer to their dreams of playing sport professionally after securing sought after places on teams representing Yorkshire.
Year 10 student Isla has been selected to play for the Humber region’s Under 16 Hockey Team after coaches at her local team, Driffield Hockey Club, put her forward for county trials.
The 15-year-old right midfielder has been playing hockey since she was a young child after being inspired by her mum who has also played the sport.
Isla said: “When I found out I’d been chosen for the county team it felt really good. I’ve already met so many new people and the coaches are really experienced and push you to do your best.
“Coaches from England will come to our county games to look for players for the national team, so my dream is to keep learning and improving and one day be scouted to play for England.”
Year 11 student Charlie has secured a place in the Yorkshire Rugby Union Academy after standing out during the development trials.
The 15-year-old says he has been playing rugby for as long as he can remember and has played for Beverley Beavers RUFC throughout his teenager years.
Charlie, who plays in the position of scrum half, said: “Securing a place at the Academy is one of the first steps to playing in the premiership. It will give me opportunities to play against other premiership club’s academies and help me improve my skills.
“The next step for me is to secure a place to play rugby at university, then hopefully go onto play professionally.
“My teachers at Ron Dearing have been really supportive of me pursuing sport, changing my timetable to make sure I can attend training with the Academy and supporting me after I suffered an injury during a game.”
The duo joins a string of other students at Ron Dearing who’re excelling in sport, and shared their advice to others young people who want to excel in their chosen sport.
Isla said: “Have confidence in yourself and choose a sport that you really enjoy. Just keep putting in the work and training hard and you’ll see improvements.”
Charlie added: “Stay consistent and find a nice friendly team that you get on with. Being part of a good team will make you want to play more and do your best.”