John Hunt pupils win Sam White shield

Around 90 hockey players from nine primary schools took part in a tournament dedicated to inspirational teenage sports leader Sam White.

It is the second time the tournament, held at The Newark Academy, has been staged, but this year teams competed for the Sam White Shield.

Sam, of Newark, who died aged 16, spent a lot of his time coaching hockey with Tim Burch, who organised the tournament.

Sam’s father, Mike, said: “It’s a fitting tribute. Sam spent a lot of time working with Tim and he played hockey from when he was seven.

“He was captain of Barnby Road Academy team and he played with and coached children up to two years older than him at The Newark Academy.

“He set up an inter-house tournament at the academy and was involved with Tim’s festival of hockey events. When he didn’t have the stamina to play any more he found other ways of being involved in the sport, for example by coaching.

“Sam would feel very proud about this tournament. We have been impressed with the standard of hockey that we’ve seen today.”

Primary schools that took part were: Lovers’ Lane, Newark; Dean Hole, Caunton; Bowbridge, Newark; St Peter’s, Farndon; Witham St Hughs Academy; Bleasby; Chuter Ede, Balderton; Mount, Newark; and John Hunt, Balderton.

The competition was won by John Hunt who defeated Bowbridge Primary School 1-0 in the final.

The shield was presented to the winners by Sam’s parents.

Tim Burch said: “Sam came and helped the hockey festival I put on and he helped me run the Newark Hockey Primary Schools League.

“After he passed away I wanted to do something for him so I thought we could name this tournament after him. The Sam White Shield will be an annual competition.”

Sixteen sports leaders who helped on the day with tasks such as timekeepers and umpiring.

Mrs Linda Smith, PE teacher at The Newark Academy, said: “Sam loved his hockey and was also an excellent sports leader. Everyone has come together for this tournament, which forms part of Sam’s legacy.”