Blog: Thoughts From Our Hockey Coach Ahead of the Aspire Cup Showdown

We cover what the road to the final has looked like, the key factors behind the team’s success this season, how the players have developed both individually and collectively, and how preparations are shaping up for the big day. With one final challenge ahead, the focus is clear — finish strong, trust the process, and embrace the occasion.

Read on for insight, reflection, and a look ahead to what promises to be an exciting experience for the team.

How does it feel to see the team make it to the Scottish Hockey Aspire Cup final?

I am tremendously proud of all the girls, as they have put in an awful lot of work this season and their successes deserve to be celebrated. This is the third squad I have taken to a national final in my 10 years at the school and it is always an incredible day for all who are involved.

Can you take us back to the start of the campaign — what has the journey to the final looked like for this group?

We haven't entered this competition since 2018, and since then the format has changed. Rather than a straight knockout competition, the girls had to play in a regional qualifier. In order to make the final and play the winner of the Southern regional qualifier, we had to finish top of our 6 team pool. The girls were incredible and won 4 of their matches and drew their other one, without conceding a goal. We ended up qualifying by finishing top of the pool by a single goal! The celebrations were incredible and will be one of my own personal highlights when I eventually retire.

What do you think has been the key to the team’s success this season?

The majority of the squad have played together for the last few years, which has helped build chemistry within the team. Around half of the squad also play together regularly at the same hockey club which has helped tremendously. I have also tried to adopt a slightly more relaxed approach to sessions this season, which I think the players have responded well to. Having an excellent coaching team around me has helped; I certainly can't claim too much of the credit. Mr Macklin and Esther help provide different perspectives, and our qualities mesh really well and have helped create an environment which allows our players to flourish.

How has the team grown or developed since the beginning of the year — both individually and collectively?

Individually we have witnessed some incredible personal development. Three of our squad are in the Scottish Hockey Brave Academy, while two other players represented North District at the district tournament earlier in the year. All players are playing with a lot more confidence now, which has been one of the most pleasing things to see as their coach. We still have a really young squad compared to most schools (half of our team are in S4) and we have had to cope with having a small squad too. At the start of the year we only had 12 players, which has meant we have had to go into many games with no substitutes, or even play matches with only ten players. The girls have really rallied and having a small squad has allowed for more pitch time for all players. I think that this has been key to the accelerated development the squad has seen. A handful of S5 pupils have joined hockey during the year and have been welcome additions. Despite being inexperienced, they are dedicated and keen to improve; they are no less a part of this squad and have played a vital role at times this season.

How are you preparing the squad for the final next month — tactically and mentally?

A lot of our preparation has been disrupted due to forces out with our control, such as weather and other commitments. However, we have always looked to use the final as the end goal with all sessions and matches. Qualifying for the final so early has allowed us to try different things in training and matches, which has been extremely valuable. The players are comfortable with our tactics now and are just excited to take to the pitch.

As a coach, what has made you most proud of this group?

The attitude this group has shown over the course of this year has been exceptional. So many things have happened this year which would have made it easy to quit, but they have knuckled down and become closer as a result. The players have shown so much more resilience than I have seen from an Albyn hockey team before, and this is what makes all of the coaches proud.

Regardless of the result, what do you hope the players take away from this experience?

I want the players to embrace the experience. Three of the current squad were in the side that lost in our last final in 2024. I would hope that their experience of that day will help calm some nerves which our players will inevitably have. As I have said to the team all year, the performance and attitude are far more important than the result; however, if you take the right attitude into the game, and try to play the right way, then the result often takes care of itself. We will be playing against a very good side, but I also want the opposition to know they have had to work harder than ever before to try and get the win. There is every chance this might be the last final any of these players get to play and I don't want them to have any regrets. If we lose, at least do it, having tried your hardest. In saying that though, I would really like a win and I couldn't have a better group to try and make that happen!

Whatever happens in Glasgow, the team has already shown tremendous character and commitment, and the whole school community will be cheering them on.