The Sam White Hockey tournament took place at Magnus Church of England bringing seven schools from across the area together
An annual hockey tournament celebrating the life of an inspirational young sports leader saw pupils from seven schools play for the trophy.
Magnus Church of England Academy welcomed this year’s Sam White tournament on Wednesday (April 2), where children from primary schools across the area competed in his memory.
Sam White, who died in 2013, after battling a brain tumour, started playing hockey as a young child and then joined Newark Hockey Club, where he also spent a lot of time coaching hockey alongside the club’s president — Tim Burch.
The tournament, which has been running since 2015, saw seven schools—Chuter Ede Balderton and Fernwood, Farndon St Peters, Long Bennington, Coddington, Barnby Road, Lowe's Wong, and Sir Donald Bailey—compete in a series of matches.
Barnby Road School was the overall winner after beating Chuter Ede Balderton and Fernwood.
One of the standout moments of the tournament was the presentation of the Player of the Game award, which this year went to Mateo Dell.
The player of the game is selected by players from opposing teams who vote for the standout player, who is then awarded Sam’s hockey stick for the year and goes to the school to be displayed for a year.
Newark Hockey Club president Tim Burch, who coached Sam during his school years, explained the importance of the tournament: "This event is not just about competition, it’s about keeping Sam’s memory alive and introducing more young players to the sport he loved.
“He was an incredible part of our hockey family, and it feels fitting that his name continues to inspire new generations."
For Sam’s father, Mike White, seeing children play in his son’s name it means a lot to see his son’s legacy being passed on to children.
“My wife, before she passed away, she used to come and we used to give the trophy away every year.
“As Sam’s dad, I find it quite an honour that the town in which he was born, brought up in and considered himself part of the community, and he loved Newark and living here, it is a real honour to see this being hosted in his memory.
“It makes me feel proud and it makes me feel that somehow his memory lives on in this town because these children won't have known Sam clearly, but to have these children representing his memory and playing in his honour is fantastic.”
The tournament organiser Beth Dickens, also a coach at Sir Donald Bailey Primary School, noted that the event has continued to grow, with increasing enthusiasm from children, teachers, and parents.
She said the tournament provides young players with the opportunity to develop their skills and enjoy the game while honouring Sam’s memory.
The tournament marks the end of the hockey season as the pupils play the sport after school every Wednesday at Magnus Academy from September until April.
This year’s memorial event was attended by pupils, their coaches, some families and members of Newark’s Hockey Club who get together every year to spread their passion for sports and Newark’s legacy.
