An international hockey experience

Loughborough High School pupil selected for England U18 European preparation tour and Eight Nations Hockey Tournament 

We’re delighted to congratulate Loughborough High School pupil, Elena, who has been selected as part of the England U18 hockey squad heading to the Eight Nations competition in Spain, Netherlands and Germany this summer. 

Following a competitive national selection process involving an initial squad of around 40 players, Elena progressed through multiple training camps and assessment stages to earn her place in the shortlist. 

The squad has been finalised at 28 players, with 20, selected for the Netherlands and Germany preparation tour and 18 travelling to Spain for the Eight Nations tournament. Elena has been selected for both the preparation tour and the tournament. 

The international programme includes: 

• Netherlands & Germany Tour (29 June – 4 July) 
  Fixtures against the Netherlands and Germany (two matches each)  

• Eight Nations Tournament, Spain (9–17 July) 
  Group-stage matches against Spain, Netherlands and Scotland, followed by classification fixtures based on results  

Elena, who plays as a goalkeeper, trains regularly at Lilleshall National Sports Centre as part of the England pathway and competes for Beeston Hockey Club at club level. Alongside her club commitments, she is also part of our Hockey Player Pathway programme, which includes pitch-based sessions and strength and conditioning support delivered within the school environment. She is also part of the School’s Student Athlete Programme. 

At School, Elena balances an intensive sporting schedule with her academic studies. During the hockey season she undertakes multiple weekly training sessions across school, club, and pathway programmes, while also competing regularly in fixtures. 

Our Hockey Player Pathway initiative has supported her development through tailored goalkeeper-specific conditioning, exposure to high-performance environments, and regular training against boys’ hockey groups to increase game intensity and decision-making speed. 

Elena spoke of her achievement: “It’s a real privilege to be selected for the England Under 18 squad and to have progressed through such a competitive pathway. The selection process has been challenging, with constant assessment and training camps, so reaching the final group feels incredibly rewarding. 

The School’s Hockey Player Pathway has helped me develop in a more position-specific way as a goalkeeper, particularly through strength and conditioning work tailored to my role. It has really helped prepare me for the demands of international hockey, and I’m excited for what’s ahead this summer.”

Elena’s selection is a fantastic achievement and reflects both her talent and her commitment to performing at the highest level. She has shown outstanding dedication in balancing an extremely demanding training schedule with her academic studies. The Player Pathway has been designed to support exactly this type of athlete, providing access to high-quality coaching, strength and conditioning, and competitive environments that mirror elite performance sport. Elena’s progress is a clear example of what can be achieved when that structure is fully embraced. We are incredibly proud of her selection for the England U18 squad and look forward to following her progress across the European tour and the Eight Nations tournament.

Jo Hackett, Director of Sport at Loughborough Schools Foundation