Teenagers get ready for a championship Czech challenge

Four teenagers from Dundee’s Premier League clubs have been named in Scotland’s U18 squad for the upcoming Euro Hockey Youth Championships II.

Senior inter nationalist Emily Dark has Dundee Wanderers team-mate Ruth Blaikie alongside her, together with Grove Menzieshill’s Jenny Walls and George Smith.

The Scots will open their campaign against Wales before battling Russia and Lithuania at the group stage, the initial objective being a top two finish which would elevate them to medal contention.

Head coach Keith Smith said “The build-up has gone well. In addition to a string of training camps, we have undertaken a series of quality test matches against Wales, Poland and England.

“Later this week we travel to Belfast where a three-match series against Ireland – a side who are about to compete in Europe’s elite division–offers an ideal opportunity for a final tweak to our game plan.”

The championships take place in Rakovnik, Czech Republic, from July 15-21.

Squad: Dark, Blaikie (both Dundee Wanderers), Smith, Walls (both Grove Menzieshill), Buchanan, Justice, Sabatelli, Shields (all Clydesdale Western), Cawthorn, Skidmore (both Granite City Wanderers), Crawford, Murray, Hart, Wilson, Pearson, Jones (all Watsonians), Bain, Cannon (both Western Wildcats)