John Mayo (Haig & Clive 1967 – 1972) has gifted a new trophy to the White Rose (hockey) Academy (WRA), in memory of his late brother Allan (1959 – 1967). The Allan Mayo Spirit of Hockey Trophy is to be awarded every year to a member of the WRA who has shown great leadership and who has made the biggest contribution to the WRA with their enthusiasm for hockey and encouragement of others. Alongside the trophy, the chosen student will also receive £200 of vouchers from the WRA fund, to spend at Grays Hockey.

John very kindly agreed to present the trophy in the Monday morning assembly on 8th May, to the inaugural recipient.

The School’s two hockey captains, Brett and Joanna introduced John in the assembly and talked about the essence of the White Rose Academy, which was first conceived in 2016 by Paul Harrington who kick started a development programme and tour to Holland by donating a substantial amount of money. Allan Mayo and Peter Vincent came on board and later Charlie Lane, to support Paul with his vision to develop student enjoyment of the sport, to provide a positive hockey experience, to enable students to progress and to fulfil their potential. 

A key member of the WRA was a man called Allan Mayo. He was a Dukie that went on to play international hockey and continued to be involved in the game throughout his life. Several of you would have met him, as during every TDF match he would be supporting our team on the sidelines, attending the post-match function and often presenting the player of the match awards. Allan was incredibly passionate about hockey and a huge supporter of you. Sadly, shortly after this year’s TDF fixture Allan passed away suddenly, the day before his England Masters hockey trial.

In recognition of Allan’s contribution to the WRA, a new award has been created in his memory. We are delighted that Allan’s brother and Dukie John is here today to present the inaugural award and would like to invite him to say a few words before presenting the trophy.

Brett & Joanna

Thank You to the captains and the heartfelt thanks of Allan’s family, to the White Rose Academy, the School and to Mr. Quinn for organizing this recognition.

Before I present the award, I want to briefly describe Allan’s achievements and what they mean for you, whether you are a hockey player or not.

Like many of you Allan first played hockey here at the Duke of York’s when he was 12. He went on to spend many happy hours playing hockey, captaining, and training others for just over 60 years. The Trophy has engraved on it who he played for over the years, they included some of the top clubs and his County, Hampshire, The Civil Service, the South of England and England, who he represented at indoor hockey many times.

He made dozens of hockey friends, coached several sides including England U20’s and was the inaugural coach of Ealing women’s hockey team.

Allan’s example shows that first you must find what you enjoy and then strive for excellence; by this I mean strive for quality in what you do and have pride in your work, in your hobby, in your sport, your art or your music and soon you will surprise yourself. In years to come you will be able to look back  with well-deserved pride at a life well lived and thoroughly enjoyed.

I hope that my brother,  the Old Dukie, Allan Mayo, inspires all of you to find the thing you enjoy, to work at it, and to become better than good at it. Be excellent and enjoy it for a whole lifetime.

Enjoy; Work hard; Improve; Repeat.

It now gives me great pleasure to present the inaugural award to – Freddie (Yr 12). Congratulations!

Thank you to John for presenting the trophy and thank you to the WRA and the members of the alumni who fund the hockey tours, equipment, coaching, as well as visits from International players and trips to premier league matches.

Special thanks go to Paul Harrington and Peter Vincent, without whose very generous financial contributions the WRA would not exist.

Recently the Dukies' Foundation agreed to match any new funding from alumni and in the autumn it was agreed that the TDF would grant £18,000 over the next 3 years to match the latest generous contributions from Peter Vincent & Paul Harrington as well as very generous donations from Chris Crowcroft, Andy Barlow, Martin Sambrook and Charlie Lane, to secure the future of the WRA.

The school is extremely grateful to have such a generous, caring alumni who continue to strive to give Dukies the Winning Edge.

If you are interested in getting involved or donating to the WRA please get in touch or visit the Support Us page.