A Derbyshire schoolboy is fast becoming one to watch on the ice after being selected to represent an elite British team at one of Europe’s largest junior ice hockey tournaments.
Toby Mangnall, a year five pupil at Long Lane Church of England Primary School – part of the Derby Diocesan Academy Trust (DDAT) – is following the elite pathway with the Sheffield Ice Hockey Academy after impressing coaches with his natural ability, determination and rapid progress in just his second season.
Despite being just nine years old, Toby already plays as a goalkeeper for the under-12s team and has been selected to represent the Elite British Selects — a squad made up of some of the country’s most promising young players.
He recently travelled to Riga in Latvia, with the Elite British Selects to compete in a major international junior ice hockey tournament, where he faced teams from across Europe in what is widely regarded as one of the continent’s biggest youth hockey competitions.
Toby, who has an autism diagnosis, joined Long Lane Primary School to access a smaller and highly supportive learning environment. Since joining the school, which has just 20 pupils, he has made significant strides both academically and socially, moving from requiring substantial one-to-one support to working independently and thriving in the classroom and beyond.
Toby said: “I felt so proud to be selected to play for the under-12s team at nine years old and then to be selected to play internationally for the Elite British Selects was amazing.
“I loved going to Riga in Latvia. Ice hockey is really popular there and some really great teams were playing. I made loads of new friends and really enjoyed the atmosphere with the coaches and players on the way to and from the games.
“Playing ice hockey and moving to this new school has made me feel really happy. I really love all my new friends and my new teacher is great.”
Staff at Long Lane quickly recognised his passion for ice hockey and in his first week, created a bespoke hockey-themed reward setup including a mini rink with a goalie character that progresses along the rink to earn rewards, designed to support his engagement and progress.
His achievements on the ice also continue to grow. In the coming months, Toby will travel to the United States to compete in the Columbus Nasher Cup, in Ohio, where he will get the opportunity to train and compete alongside some of America’s most promising young ice hockey talent.
He has also represented Toxic Hockey UK in roller hockey, travelling to Barcelona to compete internationally.
Toby’s mum, Abby Ballinger, first introduced him to ice hockey after encouraging him to attend a match despite initial sensory challenges associated with loud environments.
She said: “He turned to me and said, ‘Mum, I’m going to play this,’ and that was it — he just fell in love with it straight away.
“I am just so happy and proud to watch him living a life he is thoroughly enjoying.
“There has been a huge difference in him since starting ice hockey around two years ago, around the same time as he moved to Long Lane School. His confidence has grown massively.”
Headteacher at Long Lane Church of England Primary School, Teresa Bosley, said: “We are incredibly proud of Toby and everything he has achieved in the time he has been with us.
“His dedication, determination and enthusiasm for ice hockey are inspiring and it has been wonderful to see his confidence grow both in and out of the classroom.
“To be competing at such a high level at such a young age is a fantastic achievement.”
Sarah Clark, CEO of the Derby Diocesan Academy Trust (DDAT), said: “Toby’s journey is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when talent, determination and the right support come together.
“We are incredibly proud of his achievements both on and off the ice, and of the way Long Lane Church of England Primary School has nurtured his confidence, independence and passion. His story is truly inspiring.”
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This press release was distributed by Penguin PR. To find out more contact Sarah-Louise Elton on 01332 416228 or by email at [email protected]
