Photograph – Gemma Thomas playing in goal.
Our Sport student, Gemma Thomas, is skating her way to achieving her dreams of representing England Roller Hockey senior team.
The goalkeeper now represents Sheffield Roller Hockey Academy, where she trains three times a week to perfect her fitness, strength, flexibility, agility and endurance.
Her greatest achievements to date are being announced best goalkeeper of year in 2018 and 2022, finishing 2nd in the Female Premier League with Middlesbrough Roller Hockey Club and having trials with the under 17 and England Roller Hockey senior team but couldn’t go to the trials due to an ongoing injury.
Gemma is part of the Barnsley Sports Academy within College and works on her strength and conditioning with the coaching staff. This has enabled her to access an Elite Sports Performance Bursary to fund aspects of her competition such as equipment and travel.
Gemma, a Level 3 Sport, Coaching and Development student, said: “I am part of the TASS Dual Career Accreditation Scheme here at Barnsley College which has enabled me to explore opportunities to gain qualifications alongside my sporting pursuits to further my personal development.
“I got into roller hockey when it was advised at my school to take part at the local sports centre. I started off as an outfield player but then found the love as a goalkeeper. My aim is to come back from my injury and secure a place on the England Roller Hockey senior team.”
Last updated: 15th February 2024