Following the recent EH Futures Cup Tournament, Blackheath’s Men's 1st Team starlet Jake Owen has taken a step closer to reaching his ultimate goal of playing for England by being selected for the National U18 squad. The Futures Cup is a national initiative consisting of eight regional teams competing against each other over four grueling days at St Albans Hockey Club. Jake was part of the Gold Medal winning Saxon Tigers (South England) and scored a crucial goal in the final as his side beat Wessex Leopards 4-1 to take the trophy. From this tournament Jake has now been selected in the 30-man England U18 squad from which the final England Team will be selected.

Jake is a product of our now thriving BOEHC Junior Section which now stands at 250 strong. Home grown and one of our own. He represents the future of the club and we hope to produce many more in the years ahead.

Jake said, "So glad I got to do this tournament once in my life as it was truly life changing and just solidified my dreams of playing international hockey!"

Ed Thorogood, Senior Performance Director at BOEHC said, "This is an unbelievable achievement from a boy that thoroughly deserves everything he has achieved. Jake is a shining example to all our young players of what you can achieve with dedication and we are incredibly proud that all of his hard work has paid off with the highest of accolades.”

Matt Wilde, Chairman of BOEHC: “This news fills me with immense pride. Jake has been with the Club since he was 13 and has always shown great promise through our Junior ranks and into the Senior Section. He first played in our inaugural BOE Boys U14s Team and then swiftly into the Men’s 3s which I was Skippering. He was quiet and thoughtful but there was no mistaking the inner drive, ambition and zeal he had. Over the years he has been encouraged, nurtured and guided at the Club by a wonderful team of committed and passionate coaches particularly in the last 15 months by Calum Giles. Jake is an absolute credit to his wonderful parents Nick and Andrea who have supported his every step on this challenging journey. But most of all the congratulations are to Jake who has trained and played with outstanding commitment and fought so hard for this. When he suffered a set-back, he never gave up but came back stronger and better. He’s finally got his just reward. Well done Jake. We are Proud & You are Worthy.”