Perse pupil earns England U16 Hockey call-up
A Year 11 Perse student has been selected for the England U16 Girls Hockey squad, marking the culmination of years of dedication and hard work through the sport’s Talent Pathway.
Daisy, who plays centre back for our U16 Hockey Girls 1st team, received the call-up after being spotted by a scout during the regional Talent Academy Cup 2025, an end-of-year tournament for regional hockey teams. From there, she progressed through three trials held over three to four months, with the final squad announced in January 2026.
“It all seemed out of reach up until the year before the selection,” Daisy reflected. “It just progressed so quickly.”
For Daisy, hockey was an effortlessly easy choice. Picking up a stick at the age of five, Daisy was inspired by her father and older brother, as well as her best friend who played at the time. Their familial love of the game remains strong to this day: Daisy, her brother, and her father play in a mixed team together for their local club.
Daisy’s path to the England squad followed the county and regional talent system, progressing through Hertfordshire county teams before joining the regional Talent and Academy team. The selection process itself was rigorous, involving personal interviews, fitness testing, and several days of match play and one-on-one drills at Lilleshall National Sports Centre in Birmingham.
As a centre back, Daisy was assessed on her physicality and reading of the game, qualities the coaching staff valued highly.
For students inspired by her journey, Daisy’s advice is this: “trust the system, don’t be put off by self-doubt, and above all, keep enjoying it”.
“Just as long as you enjoy it,” she continues. “If you’re going to try these things and you don’t enjoy it, you’re never going to get anywhere.”
Beyond her sporting ambitions, Daisy has her sights set on a career as a physiotherapist, though she’s not ruling out a slightly more high-profile sideline.
When asked about her dream career, Daisy replied with a smile: “Being a physiotherapist, and then going to the Olympics!”
The England U16 Age Group Programme is designed to give young players their first taste of international hockey in a challenging and supportive environment. Selection for this squad is highly competitive with talented athletes from regions across the country taking part in the assessment process.
Throughout the 2025–26 cycle, Daisy will take part in squad training days, residential camps, and international fixtures. The programme offers valuable exposure against top European nations such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Spain, Ireland, and the Home Nations.
This is a fantastic achievement for Daisy and a result of her fierce determination, discipline, skill, and commitment to the sport. We look forward to following her progress as she represents England on the international stage.