THE Oratory’s maiden first-team hockey captain Georgie Hector believes the new All-Weather Pitch will be a ‘game-changer’ in helping kick sport on at the school.

Having arrived from South Africa – where she played age-group hockey for Gauteng province – in the Sixth Form, Georgie led her team to title glory in their first crack at the Berkshire School’s League.

A further three back-to-back-to-back championships have followed despite not having a home pitch, and the Loughborough University student is delighted the AWP will now be installed – urging Alumni to donate to the project and help further the school’s outstanding facilities.

She said: “For a school which had never played hockey, to win the league every year is impressive – but this is going to be a game-changer.

“It will make things more accessible; more people will want to get involved and the school having its own pitch will be great.

“There'll be lots more support from friends because they'll be on site and won't have to travel to Wallingford, and opportunities to practice more during break times.

“It will pull everyone together even more, hopefully adding to the school’s sporting legacy.”

Looking back to her time playing at The Oratory, Georgie believes sport helped her develop crucial skills before she went onto Loughborough, where she now plays and coaches.

She explained: “Sport teaches leadership, dedication, motivation, perseverance and togetherness - there are times when you think 'is it worth it,' but when you pull through and win, it's cool.

“A lot of the girls hadn't played before The Oratory, but it made it fun because I had the chance to guide them on how to tackle the sport I've always loved.

“It was a cool time, and I hope it keeps growing.”