Surrey does seem to have it all. Beautiful countryside, quaint towns and villages steeped in history and the most valuable homes outside of London. We have produced music and acting legends including Eric Clapton, Peter Gabriel, Paul Weller, Tom Hardy, Sam Worthington, Jonny Lee Miller, Laurence Olivier, Julie Andrews and Bill Nighy. On the author and political spectrum, we have HG Wells, Beatrix Potter, Sir Christopher Wren, Virginia Woolf and Enid Blyton, to namedrop just a few! But this month we are tackling literally (football pun intended) the top 8 Surrey Athletes that were born and bred in Surrey, and there are loads! It was hard to choose the top 8 but our talented sports pundit Kaizer Akhtar has done just that. Hope you enjoy reading.
FOOTBALL – DECLAN RICE
Declan Rice is one of England’s leading footballers, known for his commanding presence in midfield and his leadership on and off the pitch. Born in Kingston upon Thames, he rose through academy football to become a key figure for both club and country. After notably captaining West Ham United and leading them to their first European silverware since 1976, Rice made a high-profile £105 million transfer to Premier League giants, Arsenal, where he continues to be a central force in their Premier League and Champions League campaigns. Declan Rice is now widely regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation with the potential to go down as one of the greats of the game.
Place of Birth & Surrey Roots
- Born: Kingston upon Thames
- Surrey Connection: Grew up locally; early football played in and around the Kingston/ New Malden area
- Grassroots: Regularly played at the YMCA in New Malden
Early Life, Schooling & Youth Football
- School: Grey Court School, Richmond: Rice played for one of the best school teams in the country and helped them reach the Surrey County Cup final.
- Youth Academies: Chelsea FC Academy (joined at age 7, released at 14)
- West Ham United Academy (joined after release; progressed through U18’s and U23’s level)
Sporting Journey
- West Ham United (2017–2023):
- Broke into the senior squad at 18
- Became club captain
- Made over 200 appearances
- Led the team to Europa Conference League Trophy in 2023
- Arsenal (2023–present):
- Signed for a club-record fee (£105 million)
- Instantly became a core figure in midfield
- Competing at the top end of the Premier League and Champions League
- England National Team:
- Senior debut in 2019
- Over 50 caps
- Key starter at EURO 2020 and the 2022 World Cup and will be one of the first names on the team sheet for 2026 World Cup
Major Achievements
- UEFA Europa Conference League Winner (2023)
- Europa Conference League Player of The Season (2022-2023)
- England: EURO 2022 runner- up; integral midfield presence across multiple tournaments
- Individual: Consistently ranked among Premier League’s top midfielders
RUGBY – JONNY WILKINSON
Jonny Wilkinson is one of the most iconic figures in English sporting history and a name synonymous with precision, composure, and dedication. Born in Frimley, Surrey, Wilkinson rose from local rugby roots to become England’s all-time leading points scorer and a global rugby icon. Best remembered for his dramatic drop goal that secured England’s first and only Rugby World Cup in 2003, Wilkinson’s career was defined by relentless work ethic, resilience through injury, and an uncompromising pursuit of excellence at the highest level of the sport.
Place of Birth & Surrey Roots
- Born: Frimley Park Hospital, Frimley, Surrey
- Surrey Connection: Grew up in and around Farnham
- Grassroots Rugby: Played mini rugby at Farnham Rugby Club
Early Life, Schooling & Youth Rugby
- School: Pierrepont School, Farnham
- Early Sport: Excelled in rugby and athletics as a youngster
- Development: Progressed through school and county rugby pathways before being identified by top-level clubs
Sporting Journey
- Newcastle Falcons (1997–2009):
- Made his professional debut at just 18
- Became one of the most reliable goal-kickers in world rugby
- Captained club and led them to domestic and European success
- Toulon (2009–2014):
- Finished his career in France
- Helped Toulon win two Heineken Cups
- England National Team:
- Made England debut in 1998
- Earned 91 international caps
- Central figure at four Rugby World Cups
Major Achievements
- Rugby World Cup Winner (2003) – scored the winning drop goal in the final
- BBC Sports Personality of the Year (2003)
- England’s all-time leading points scorer
- Six Nations titles with England
- Inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame
FORMULA 1 – JAMES HUNT
British Formula One racing driver James Hunt was from Belmont, Surrey. He began his career in touring cars before progressing to Formula Three in 1969, where he attracted the attention of Lord Hesketh, founder of Hesketh Racing. Hunt earned notoriety throughout his career for his reckless and action-packed exploits on and off the track. He famously drunk like a fish, smoked like a trooper and dated models and actresses. He made his Formula One debut at the Monaco Grand Prix winning 10 in all before retiring in 1979. He then became a broadcaster, sadly dying of a heart attack, aged only 45. The film ‘Rush’ was made about his life and racing career – starring Chris Hemsworth.
Place of Birth & Surrey Roots
- Born in 1947, living first in a flat in Cheam then moving to a house in Sutton, aged 11 – before residing in a palatial Belmont mansion.
- He went to Westerleigh School in St Leonards On Sea and later went to Wellington College.
- His Dad, Wallis Gunthorpe Hunt, was the son of a famous industrialist and politician.
Early Life & Youth Sport
- He started off go-karting as a kid and loved the speed and adrenaline.
- He passed his driving test a few days after his 17th birthday – which is when “the fun” really began.
- His family didn’t take his Formula One dream seriously at first. They wanted him to go into banking or become a doctor.
Sporting Journey
- Under the guidance of Hesketh Racing, they entered their own 308 chassis in 1974, designed by Harvey Postlethwaite, in which Hunt achieved several further podiums.
- He won the non-championship BRDC International Trophy too later that year.
- He was easily one of the best in his field throughout the 1970’s.
Major Achievements
- Hunt took podiums in his rookie season at the Dutch and United States Grands Prix further cementing his reputation as a British driver and force to be reckoned with.
- Retaining his seat the following season, Hunt took his maiden victory with Hesketh at the Dutch Grand Prix, widely regarded as one of the greatest underdog victories in Formula One history.
- The team was left without sponsorship at the end of the season though, leading Hunt to join McLaren for his 1976 campaign.
- Amidst a fierce title battle with his toughest competitor Niki Lauda, Hunt won the World Drivers’ Championship by a single point in his debut season.
International Career
- He retired after beating Lauda to pip the top post in 1979.
- In total he achieved 14 pole positions, 8 fastest laps, and 23 podiums in Formula One.
- After he won he felt he had achieved all he needed to (and went on a massive bender!) before becoming a journalist for The Independent and the BBC.
FOOTBALL – LUKE SHAW
Luke Shaw is an accomplished English professional footballer known for his excellent defensive ability, attacking support from the left flank, and resilience throughout his career. Born in Kingston upon Thames and raised in Molesey, Surrey, Shaw overcame early setbacks to become one of the most sought-after defenders in the game. After rising through Southampton’s academy and breaking into their first team as a teenager, he earned a big money move to arguably the biggest club in England, Manchester United, where he has been a key figure for them in the Premier League and a regular starter for the England national team. Shaw notably scored the fastest goal in a European Championship final at EURO 2020.
Place of Birth and Surrey Roots
- Born: Kingston upon Thames, Greater London
- Surrey Connection: Raised in Molesey, Surrey
- Grassroots: Played for local Surrey teams including Molesey Juniors and Hersham during his youth
Early Life, Schooling & Youth Football
- School: Chandlers Field Primary School and Rydens Enterprise School where he helped the Under 15’s team reach the English Schools’ FA Cup semi-finals.
- Youth Academies:
- Grew up as a Chelsea supporter and trained at Chelsea’s development centre but was not offered an academy place.
- Joined Southampton’s youth academy at age 8, where his professional journey began
Sporting Journey
- Southampton (2012-2014):
- Debuted for Southampton’s first team as a 16-year-old in January 2012.
- Became a regular starter and attracted major transfer interest thanks to standout performances.
- Manchester United (2014–present):
- Signed by Manchester United in June 2014 for a reported£30 million, making him the most expensive teenager in world football at the time.
- Has made over 200 appearances for the club, overcoming serious injury setbacks early in his career to become a key defender
- England National Team:
- Made senior England debut in March 2014.
- Scored in theUEFA EURO 2020 final, registering the fastest goal in a European Championship final.
Major Achievements
- UEFA European Championship runner-up (EURO 2020)– scored fastest goal in tournament final history.
- UEFA Europa League Winnerwith Manchester United (2016-17).
- FA Cup Winnerwith Manchester United (2023-24).
- PFA Premier League Team of the Year
- England caps & goals:Significant contributor over many major international tournaments.
TENNIS – TIM HENMAN
Tim Henman is one of Britain’s most recognisable and influential tennis players of the modern era. Born in Oxford, Henman was raised in Surrey and became the face of British tennis during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Known for his serve-and-volley style and sportsmanship, Henman reached the latter stages of Wimbledon on multiple occasions, inspiring a generation of young players and helping to reignite national interest in British tennis. Tim Henman even had the hill at Wimbledon named after him, Murrey Mount.
Place of Birth & Surrey Roots
- Born: Oxford, England
- Surrey Connection: Raised in Pyrford, near Woking, Surrey
- Tennis Roots: Trained extensively at clubs in Surrey from a young age
Early Life, Schooling & Tennis Development
- School: Reed’s School, Cobham, Surrey
- Family Influence: From a strong tennis background — mother and grandmother were accomplished players
- Junior Career: Quickly rose through national junior rankings while training in Surrey
Sporting Journey
- Professional Career (1993–2007):
- Reached six Wimbledon semi-finals
- Achieved a career-high world ranking of No. 4
- Became Britain’s leading men’s singles player for over a decade
- Great Britain:
- Represented Great Britain in the Davis Cup
- Later became Davis Cup captain, guiding the team to success
Major Achievements
- World No. 4 (career high)
- Six-time Wimbledon semi-finalist
- Olympic Games competitor
- Davis Cup captain for Great Britain
- Awarded OBE for services to tenn
HOCKEY – SOPHIE BRAY
Sophie Bray is a former England and Great Britain international field hockey player, best known for her goalscoring ability and longevity at the top level of the sport. While born overseas due to her father’s work commitments, Bray has strong Surrey roots and has lived in the county for much of her life. She went on to represent England and Great Britain at senior international level, enjoying a long and successful career in domestic and international hockey.
Place of Birth & Surrey Roots
- Born: Grasse, France
- Surrey Connection: Raised in Claygate, Surrey
- County Representation: Represented Surrey in tennis at age 11 before committing to hockey
Early Life & Youth Sport
- Early Sport: Excelled in multiple sports as a child, including tennis and hockey
- Hockey Development: Progressed through county and regional hockey pathways in Surrey
Sporting Journey
- Club Hockey: Played top-level domestic hockey for East Grinstead Hockey Club, one of England’s most successful clubs
International Career
- Represented England and Great Britain at senior level
- Earned over 70 international caps across England and GB
- Known as a consistent forward and reliable goal-scorer
Major Achievements
- England & Great Britain international with extensive senior caps
- Domestic honours with East Grinstead Hockey Club
- Recognised as one of England’s most consistent forwards of her era
CRICKET – GRAHAM THORPE
Graham Thorpe was one of England’s finest left-handed batsmen and a cornerstone of the national side throughout the 1990’s and early 2000’s. Born in Farnham, Surrey, Thorpe built his career on consistency, technical excellence, and mental toughness – becoming a mainstay of England’s Test team and a Surrey County Cricket Club legend. He made his full international debut in 1993 and was a pivotal member of the England side that won a national record eight successive Tests in 2004, and the following year he made his 100th Test appearance. Thorpe retired from playing in 2005 after non-selection for the Ashes and took up coaching positions with NSW, Surrey and England. He sadly died in August 2024, aged 55 at his home in Esher – following a battle with depression.
Place of Birth & Surrey Roots
- Born: Farnham, Surrey
- Grassroots Cricket: Began playing village and club cricket locally in Farnham
Early Life & Cricket Development
- School: Weydon School, Farnham
- Clubs: Wrecclesham Cricket Club and Farnham Cricket Club
- County Cricket: Joined Surrey’s youth system as a teenager
Sporting Journey & Achievements
- Made his Surrey debut in 1988
- Played 100 Test matches for England
- Scored over 6,700 Test runs
- Named Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1998)
- Later served as a coach for Surrey and- England
HOCKEY – JAMES GALL
James Gall is an England and Great Britain international field hockey player who has quietly built a successful career at the top level of the sport. Born in Frimley, Surrey, Gall progressed through local school and club hockey before establishing himself as a regular international and domestic league winner.
Place of Birth & Surrey Roots
- Born: Frimley, Surrey
- Surrey Connection: Educated and developed through Surrey’s hockey pathways
Early Life & Hockey Development
- School: Cranleigh School, Surrey
- Club Hockey: Developed at Surbiton Hockey Club
Sporting Journey & Achievements
- Represented England and Great Britain at senior level
- Competed at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games
- Domestic league titles with Surbiton Hockey Club
- Recognised as a reliable midfielder/forward at international level
