Scotland’s women’s head coach, Chris Duncan, revealed the squad for the FIH World Cup Hockey and declared: “We travel with ambition, but also with confidence and immense pride in wearing the Scotland shirt.”
It is the first time for 24 years that the Tartan Hearts have competed in the event and the squad travel to Belgium in August following a qualification campaign in Hyderabad, India, in March.
Duncan said he has selected a talented group of players who open their Pool B campaign against Germany, ranked No 5 in the world, on Saturday, 15 August (10.30).
Then they square-up to the United States, who are rated No 11, on Monday, 17 August (10am) and Argentina, who are ranked No 2, on Wednesday, 19 August (10am).
He added: “Today is a very proud moment, for everybody involved with Scottish Hockey, to announce the squad of 20 that will represent Scotland at the FIH Hockey World Cup, Scotland’s first appearance at the very top of world hockey in 24 years, is a landmark moment for our sport.
“Each player has earned this immense opportunity through their commitment, resilience and consistency in performance over a sustained period.
“Whilst today recognises the selected group, it also belongs to coaches, support staff, families, and many other significant figures in the lives of each and every player.”
He added: “This is a day for pride for all of those people who have played such important roles in helping these athletes reach the pinnacle of representing Scotland in a World Cup.”
Qualification is the culmination of years of hard work from players, coaches, clubs and the wider performance pathway, highlighting the continued growth of the women’s game in Scotland.
Duncan said: “Over the past five years, our squad has shown that they can compete with the very best. We all know the reality of the challenge ahead as we have some of the world’s best teams in our group, but we have belief that we can impart our own style on each and every game.
“Puling on a Scotland shirt at a World Cup is a dream that a generation of players have worked towards. We hope this inspires the next generation to believe that anything is possible.”
He also stressed that this has been achieved by a wider group of players who have helped in the journey and he said: “I want to recognise every member of our wider squad. They have been instrumental in this journey. While 20 players will step onto the pitch in Wavre, they carry the spirit of the entire group with them.
“This squad have already made history by bringing Scotland back to the World Cup. Now they have the opportunity to build a legacy that will inspire Scottish Hockey for years to come, and we cannot wait to get started.”
Vikki Strachan, lead manager, performance, said: “Success at this level is never the work of individuals, it is the product of a united team, shared belief and an entire community pulling in the same direction.
“Every training session, every decision, every choice and every conversation has helped shape this journey.”
She added: “The entire Scottish Hockey family is behind you. Congratulations, enjoy every minute, and make memories that will last a lifetime.”
Supporters will be able to follow every match live on Watch.Hockey, and fans travelling to Belgium can purchase tickets through the official FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup ticketing platform.
Squad: Amy Costello, Ava Findlay, Bronwyn Shields, Charlotte Watson, Ellie Mackenzie, Emily Overend, Eve Pearson, Fiona Burnet, Heather McEwan, Jennifer Eadie, Jess Buchanan, Jessica Martin, Katherine Holdgate, Katherine Birch, Millie Steiger, Rebecca Birch, Ruth Blaikie, Sarah Jamieson, Sarah Robertson, Zara Kennedy. Non-travelling reserves: Ava Wadsworth, Connie Roxburgh, Mhairi Low
TALK IN: Scotland women debate a corner routine during Sunday’s win over India at The University of Edinburgh Playing Fields. Picture Nigel Duncan
CONCENTRATION: Heather McEwan (foreground) focused on the play. Picture Nigel Duncan
