Rising hockey stars self-funding their World Cup bid

Wales have named 20 players in a travelling squad for the women's Junior World Cup in Santiago

Wales Under-21s women's hockey team are hoping to cause some upsets at the Junior World Cup in Chile in December.

The team secured their place at the tournament after winning the EuroHockey U21 II-A Championships in July 2024 with a 3-2 win over Czechia in the final.

But before they get to the tournament, the team need to crowdfund to ensure their participation.

They have set a £40,000 target to cover costs such as travel, accommodation and competition expenses.

More than £19,000 has been raised so far from more than 500 donations.

Former Wales football international Jess Fishlock is among those sharing their appeal on her social media.

"It's unfortunate that there is not a lot of funding or support out there," said head coach Walid Abdo.

"There's a lot of parents who've had to put their hand in their pocket which is always tough.

"The squad are working their socks off to play a sport where they're at an elite level and it's really hard to mix with their work, school, university and their relationships.

"They put maximum effort in to do that and I'm really proud to lead them but also just blown away by their commitment and their effort."

Sisters in the squad

Wales have named a travelling squad of 20 players, including two pairs of sisters, Holly and Poppy Done and Makenzy and Leni Beard.

Makenzy who is also a talented artist says it is "very special" to play alongside her sister.

"I'm sure that doesn't happen too often and she was actually the reason I started playing hockey in the first place.

"She's my role model, so anything she does I try to give a go too, so I owe a lot to her in that sense."

Beard says she has been preparing for the heat of the Chilean summer in her own unique way.

"I have been going to the gym occasionally in a ski jacket or thick joggers to acclimatise.

"I'm on the treadmill dripping in sweat but it might pay off, I'm willing to try anything at this point.

"I just put my headphones on and go tunnel vision hoping nobody is looking at me."

Makenzy Beard is a talented artist and has raised £43K for charity through auctioning her paintings

Challenging group

Wales captain Betsan Thomas is one of four players in the travelling squad who has been capped at senior level

Wales are in a tough Pool B alongside 2023 runners up Argentina, third-placed side Belgium and Zimbabwe, who finished 14th two years ago.

Despite the challenging group, captain Betsan Thomas is confident that her side can spring a few surprises in Santiago.

"Coming in as underdogs it's almost a better opportunity," said Thomas.

"I think we're quite a headstrong team, we're very determined and the talent in the group is amazing.

"The confidence and the togetherness of the group will really pull us through over those tough games."

The squad head to Chile with clear targets and looking to make a point to attract future investment.

"We're definitely hoping to get a result against Zimbabwe in our group," added Thomas.

"If we can get a point from one of the two top teams in our group, that would be amazing too.

"We want to showcase the talent we have and how we should be getting more funding into the programme."

Wales' travelling squad

Seren Bean, Leni Beard, Makenzy Beard, Amy Cradden, Freya Diamond, Holly Done, Poppy Done, Emily Edwards, Tilly Edwards, Olivia Forey, Amy Hughes, Bella Lowton, Amber Millard-Smith, Eloise Moat, Amy Partridge, Iona Roderick, Stephanie Smith, Betsan Thomas (capt), Nancy Whittlestone, Caitlin Witham.

Wales' Pool B fixtures

Tuesday, December 2

Belgium v Wales 18:45 (GMT)

Thursday, December 4

Zimbabwe v Wales December 18:45 (GMT)

Saturday, December 6

Argentina v Wales 23:15 (GMT)

The Junior Hockey World Cup takes place from 1-13 December.