Toby Mangnall, a nine-year-old pupil at Long Lane Church of England Primary School in Derbyshire, is making waves in ice hockey after being selected for the Elite British Selects, a squad of the country's most promising young players. Despite being just nine, he plays as a goalkeeper for the under-12s team at the Sheffield Ice Hockey Academy and recently competed in a major international junior tournament in Riga, Latvia.
Rapid Progress in Second Season
Toby, who has an autism diagnosis, joined Long Lane Primary School—part of the Derby Diocesan Academy Trust (DDAT)—to access a smaller, highly supportive learning environment. The school has just 20 pupils. Since joining, he has moved from requiring substantial one-to-one support to working independently and thriving academically and socially. Staff quickly recognised his passion for ice hockey and created a bespoke hockey-themed reward system in his first week, including a mini rink with a goalie character that progresses to earn rewards.
International Success and Future Plans
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.”
In the coming months, Toby will travel to the United States to compete in the Columbus Nasher Cup in Ohio, training and competing alongside America's promising young talent. He has also represented Toxic Hockey UK in roller hockey, travelling to Barcelona for international competition.
Family Support and School Pride
Toby’s mum, Abby Ballinger, introduced him to ice hockey after encouraging him to attend a match despite initial sensory challenges. 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 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 DDAT, added: “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.”
