Rising Star: Ali Honoured in National Hockey Awards

Huge congratulations to Ali (Year 11), who was named a winner of the Hockey Writers’ Club’s 2025 Junior & Youth Awards this summer and honoured by The Hockey Paper as one of the game’s rising talents.

The judging panel sought information from coaches and regional representatives before selecting just four winners nationwide of this prestigious award.

England Hockey coach Harry Jones said: “Alistair has consistently demonstrated exceptional commitment to the U16 Boys programme and has gone from strength to strength.

“Alistair’s attitude, coachability and dedication set him apart, and he possesses huge potential for continued success in the game.”

At Cundall, we know Ali for the remarkable dedication, humility and leadership he demonstrates both on and off the pitch. He joined Cundall Manor School in Reception, where his natural sporting talent was quickly identified. From an early age, he regularly competed above his age group and showed an unwavering determination to improve.

Ali joined Thirsk Hockey Club aged six. At 13, he completed his first senior season with Thirsk Men’s 1st XI, earning both the Club Junior Player of the Season and Players’ Player awards.

Through countless hours of training, strength and conditioning work, club hockey and representative programmes, Ali has steadily progressed through every level of the hockey pathway. A few months with Durham University Hockey Club’s Talent Academy led to his selection for the England U16 squad at the age of 14, and he played in every tournament during his first season.

Cundall Manor’s coaches have supported Ali throughout his journey. With more than six hours of timetabled sport each week, he has consistently focused on developing his hockey skills and fitness.

Now in his second season with England U16s, Ali continues to thrive on the international stage. He was chosen to captain England in the opening matches of both the Ireland series and the Six Nations Tournament in Germany, leading calmly by example and opening the scoring in both fixtures. His performance against Scotland earned him the unanimous Player of the Match award, further highlighting the respect he commands from coaches and teammates alike.

At club level, Ali has been named City of York Hockey Club’s Young Player of the Season for two consecutive years. Such has been his development that he will move to Leeds Hockey Club next season, competing in Division One North—the second-highest tier of league hockey in the country—following encouragement from senior coaches who recognise his potential to perform at an even higher level.

Throughout his GCSE studies, Ali has worked tirelessly to balance his academic commitments with the demands of elite-level sport. Cundall’s supportive environment, strong pastoral care and commitment to sport have enabled him to pursue excellence in both areas. He has embraced every opportunity available to him and, in doing so, has become an inspiration to younger pupils across the school.

Ali’s achievements have been celebrated throughout the Cundall community, where he is regarded as a role model who embodies the school’s values of ambition, resilience, humility and commitment. His journey from the school hockey pitches to captaining England demonstrates what can be achieved through talent, hard work and character.

With international tournaments this summer and an exciting move to Leeds Hockey Club on the horizon, Ali is undoubtedly a rising star with a very bright future. We wish him all the very best.