The John Beswick International Award is in memory of John Beswick, a former lecturer at Loughborough Physical Education College and then Shropshire PE adviser between 1952-1976. John was also a founder member of the SSSAA in 1953, was elected chairman of English Schools’ Athletic Association for 1966, and awarded an MBE for services to Shropshire sport.
The aim of the ceremony is to recognise talented young people who have represented their country at sport over the preceding year, and who attend an affiliated school or college in Shropshire.
With six Senior School students being shortlisted for the award, Moreton Hall has reason to celebrate its sporting success.
At only twelve years old, Isla is an accomplished England golf player, with a handicap of 8. She is a member of the England Girls under 16 squad and has represented England in regional matches across 2018. She finished in the top 10 at the European Championships and has been selected for the under 18 regional squad for this summer.
Milly is a talented lacrosse and a Warwickshire Senior Women’s Cricket team player. She represented England at the under 21 European Lacrosse Championships in summer 2018, where she won Best Attacker in Europe. She is currently in the England squad working towards the Lacrosse World Cup which will take place in Canada this summer.
Other exceptional lacrosse players include Georgie, Cordelia and Hattie. Both Georgie and Hattie represent Wales and are in training to represent their country in the 2019 World Cup. Cordelia is in the England National Academy for Lacrosse, she also plays Hockey for the Hockey Regional Academy.
In addition, Alice is a recognised horsewoman. She commented:
“I competed in France for Great Britain and was the fourth best Brit out of the 24 British riders. I came fifteenth individually out of 100 competitors. I was long listed for the Junior Europeans this year in France and I won the British National Junior Championship this summer.
“I am now on the Great Britain Junior Development Squad, where I will receive specialist training and support for this upcoming season.”
Director of Sport at Moreton Hall, Alison McDonald, commented: “This is a great achievement for the girls in recognition of all the hard work and commitment in their chosen Sport. It’s a pleasure to see the girls progress and develop, working with them to help achieve the best that they can be.”
The John Beswick International Awards evening will take place on Tuesday, 26th February 2019 at The Shirehall, Shrewsbury at 7:30pm.