Ahead of the Hero Hockey Junior World Cup in India, which starts on Friday 6 December, Jon Bleby, England U21 men’s head coach has named a squad of 18 athletes, with Loughborough University leading the way for club representatives.
Four athletes from Loughborough have been selected to participate, more than any other university in the country. The selected Loughborough athletes are Rob Farrington, Daniel Faulkner, Harry Gibsonand Jonty Griffiths. This year’s Junior World Cup also sees hockey players from Beeston, the University of Birmingham, Suriton, East Grinstead and Sheffield Hallam.
England have been drawn against South Africa, New Zealand and Malaysia this year. Facing these teams in the Junior World Cup will be tough for the U21 Men’s Team, but the England squad is up to the challenge and the Loughborough students are ready for the honour of representing England.
Speaking of the challenge ahead for the U21 Men’s squad, Bleby said, “Preparation for the World Cup has gone well. Back in August we came out on top in a three-match series against Malaysia up at Wakefield in the NOW: Pensions Nations Plate.” A positive victory for England, as they will be taking on Malaysia in the Junior World Cup.
Bleby is hoping that the England team will finish higher than they did last year, which was 16th place. He stated, “We’ve set goals as a group and are focusing on performing to the maximum of our capabilities. We’re looking to perform with consistently high standards throughout the tournament and build on the experiences we’ve had this year.”
Good luck to the England team in the Junior World Cup and congratulations to the Loughborough athletes on their selection for the U21 men’s hockey team – everyone at Loughborough will be supporting you!
Becky Turner
