England U18 Squads Announced

The England U18 squads have been announced today, after an exciting period of assessment camps and training days during September and October.  

Players were 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 illness and injury, so finalised squads will be announced in January 2023. The England U16 squads remain in a longer assessment phase and will be announced soon.

Mark Bateman, England U18 Boys Head Coach, said: “Following a very comprehensive selection and assessment process, I am very pleased with where the U18 Boys squad is right now. We have a challenging and exciting season ahead as we prepare for the European Championships in July. The boys have shown a very diligent approach to the assessment period, taking responsibility for their own development.” 

Lisa Letchford, England U18 Girls Head Coach, said: “We have been very impressed to see the players growing throughout the assessment period and demonstrating their superstrengths consistently at an international level. This season's squad is at a very high level, with many players also competing for a place in the GB Elite Development Squad over the coming weeks. We are looking forward to an exciting season. Well done to everyone who has shown such application and determination throughout the assessment period.” 

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. 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. 

With the launch of England Hockey’s new Talent System, 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.