Talent Academy Selection for Isla

Cundall Manor was delighted to welcome former Cundall pupil Aidan Gaunt-Edwards back to school this week, as he kindly took time out of his international hockey schedule to share his skills and experience with our U10 and U11 players.

Aidan joined Cundall in Year 5 and first picked up a hockey stick at around six years old at York Hockey Club. During his time at Cundall, sport played a big part in school life, with one of his standout memories being winning the ISA North of England Finals, scoring the winning goal in the final seconds. During is school days he progressed through the Talent Academy pathways and now aged just 18, Aidan is already playing for Canada’s U21 Junior Men’s team. Earlier this year, he represented Canada at the Junior Pan American Cup in Santiago, Chile, helping the team reach the final and claim a silver medal. The result also secured Canada’s place at the 2027 FIH Hockey Junior World Cup.

Aidan brought his silver medal back to Cundall to show our young players before joining the U10 and U11 hockey session and passing on some of the skills that have taken him from playing hockey at Cundall to the international stage.

His own international season continues next week, as he leaves on Tuesday for Malaysia and the Sultan of Johor Cup, where he will play at fullback.

Reflecting on his time at Cundall, Aidan said:

“I loved it. I loved every moment of it. It’s such a unique school, and you get so many unique experiences. It’s good to just hold on to those and really enjoy the moment.”

A huge thank you to Aidan for coming back to Cundall and spending time with our younger players. We wish him the very best of luck in Malaysia!