Annie selected for Scottish Hockey under 18s
A young Perthshire Hockey Club player looks to be ahead of the curve after being selected for the Scottish Hockey U18 Academy series.
Talented midfielder Annie Neill (16) will mix it with players two years her senior when she joins up with the Dundee Devils from November 22-24.
The academy series, which will take place in Glasgow’s National Hockey Centre, is a set of games between the top U18 players in the country, playing as Dundee Devils, Edinburgh Lightning and Glasgow Thunder.
The competition is seen by many clubs as an important pathway towards the selection process for the Scotland U18 national squads.
The Morrisons Academy pupil, who stars for her club’s ladies first side, was delighted with the news.
Annie, from Dunning, said:“I was very excited and surprised when I first found out. This is my first time.
“I have only just moved up into the U18 age category and I am still very young in this age category having just turned 16 three weeks ago.
“This will definitely help improve my game as I will be getting coached by some of the top coaches in Scotland as well as playing against and with experienced international hockey players.”
Annie also took time to credit the Perthshire club and her family for their hand in her development.
“Perthshire Hockey Club has been everything for me ever since I joined as a junior under the great direction of Perthshire’s Jayne Cafferty and I’m now playing in the ladies first XI championship two team coached by the brilliant Stevie Dick,”she added.
“Having narrowly missed out on the U16 national team the U18 national squad is my next big goal to aim for.
“I would like to thank my mum, dad and sister for driving me around all over the country and their constant support through the ups and downs and to my mum’s magic basket that makes an appearance at all my matches.
“I would also like to thank all the coaches, umpires and senior players at Perthshire Hockey Club for everything they have taught me.
“Also to my school, Morrisons Academy, coaches and teammates who have supported me all the way.”