England U16 Squads Announced

The England U16 squads have been announced today, after an exciting period of assessment camps and training days during September, October and November.  

Players have been selected from the Performance Centre Challenge Cup, Open Nominations from club and school coaches and previous England Age Group squads.  

A small number of additional players remain under assessment due to absence, illness and injury, so finalised squads will be announced in January 2023.  

Don Vinson, England U16 Girls Head Coach, said: “We have undertaken what has probably been the most robust and extensive assessment process to date. Our thanks go to the many scouts and coaches who have ensured that every player, from PCCC through to our most recent assessment camps, has been observed in a variety of contexts on multiple occasions.  

For those who didn’t make it this year, keep going. Some of our best current Olympians didn’t play internationally as teenagers and there will be many more opportunities available.  

Congratulations to all those who have been selected for this year’s U16 squad. You’ve worked incredibly hard and you deserve your place. We are really excited to get to work with this group as we prepare for the upcoming challenges of junior international competition. We think this group is super-talented and we are all committed to ensuring they fulfil their potential.” 

Jimmy Culnane, England U16 Boys Head Coach, said: “First and foremost I just want to thank all of the young athletes for their efforts during the selection process. You have given us the best kind of selection headaches and we are fortunate to be in that position. For those who haven’t been selected this time, remember that everyone has a de-selection story, and this should be seen as a speedbump rather than a roadblock in your own journeys. 

I hope those who are joining us for the remainder of the programme understand the opportunities ahead of them and the responsibility to those who have not been selected. An exciting summer lies ahead with great challenges. The moments to learn about the game and learn about yourselves can make this an experience like no other.” 

Selection to the England Age Group Programme is a significant milestone for a junior hockey player. 

Players experience a high-quality and inspirational training environment during regular training days and camps throughout the year. Athletes gain exposure of playing top European nations, including the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Spain, Ireland and the Home Nations, in camp-based activity and tournaments. Education is delivered by specialists in the field of anti-doping, nutrition, strength and conditioning, injury management and psychology. 

The launch of England Hockey’s new Talent System means that next season’s England Age Group trials in 2023 will include selected players from Talent Academies as well as players put forward for an evidence-based open nomination by a club or school coach.