No sooner have Radnor House Sevenoaks celebrated England hockey success for one of their teachers, focus turns to one of their pupils.

Director of hockey Ben Allberry has returned from South Africa, having helped England’s over-40s to bronze in the Masters World Cup, and now Year 10 student Liliya Dale, a defender, has been selected to represent her country at under-16 level.

Dale will be attending England training camps each month in preparation for the Six Nations tournament in April and Eight Nations tournament in July. As well as playing at Radnor House, she represents HC Knole Park.

Her path to England selection began aged five, sparked by her family’s passion for the sport with parents and a brother who all played. As she has got older her dedication has deepened and she often arrives at school by 7am to complete running sessions and strength and conditioning training in the gym.

“I’m really happy that all of my work has paid off,” Dale said. “I love hockey at school - it’s given me a confidence boost with all of the support I have received.”

Allberry added: “I am delighted that all of Liliya's hard work has been rewarded with this selection. She is one of the most talented players I have had the pleasure to work with, and I know how much this will mean to her.

“This will hopefully be the platform that leads her on to her ultimate goal of reaching the Olympics. The way she interacts with teammates cannot be overlooked, either; she is a leader in every sense and I know her peers will be delighted for her.”