By Isle of Wight Observer
Five members of the IOW Hockey Club, Rafaella Jones, Polly Rider, Evie Fairhurst, Oscar Purser, and Cian Smallwood-Butler, have been selected for weekly training sessions at the Hampshire Performance Centre in Basingstoke.
This nomination follows their stand-out performances during an impressive season, within their respective age groups, earning them recognition from their Hampshire Academy hockey coaches.
The young athletes have been undergoing advanced tactical and technical coaching, combined with rigorous fitness sessions, to refine their skills and develop their potential further. They are now preparing to take on a final series of match days at the end of June.
Looking ahead, the players are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to be selected for the new National County Championship U-17 squad. If chosen, they will play up to eight matches over a three-day tournament at Nottingham Hockey Centre, competing against other county squads from across the country.