Hockey player 'proud' to be in Masters World Cup

A hockey player said she is "proud" to be part of the England squad for the Masters Hockey World Cup in New Zealand.

Sabina Falcone-Healey has played for Chippenham Hockey Club in Wiltshire for almost 30 years, and is the team's longest-serving member.

Now, Ms Falcone-Healey is representing the country alongside her teammates on the women's over-45 squad in Auckland.

“Our aim is to win and come back with gold," Ms Falcone-Healey said.

The 47-year-old said she decided to try out for the Masters team and "surprisingly" got selected.

“I was feeling quite fit and kind of thought, let’s just try it. There’s no harm in trying.

“I’m absolutely chuffed to bits with myself, and my family are as well," she said.

The England women's over-45 squad are in Auckland for the competition

She added that putting the England jersey on for the first time was an "emotional" experience.

"You work hard for it, so I feel really proud."

Since the selection, Ms Falcone-Healey said she has had others tell her they are feeling inspired to try out too.

Sabina Falcone-Healey is representing England in the Hockey Masters World Cup

The Hockey Masters teams are open to players over the age of 35, with each team progressing up in five-year increments until the 75-80 category.

"You can continue playing if your body is willing and you want to, which is great," Ms Falcone-Healey said.

She added that she wants to carry on playing for as long as she can.

Ms Falcone-Healey encouraged anybody considering playing the sport to go for it, regardless of their age or ability.

"It's for everybody - whether you're a beginner or whether you're at the higher end - you will fit into a team somewhere," she said.

The Masters Hockey World Cup competition began on 7 November and ends on 16 November.