Dark earns dream chance to train with Great Britain squad

S co t land ho ckey internationalist Emily Dark has been invited to train with the senior GB squad after impressive performances within the GB Elite development programme.

The 20 -year -o ld Dundee Wanderer will be looking to emulate former team -mate Charlotte Watson who made rapid progress through the EDP ranks to become an established GB player with sights on next year’s Olympics.

Dark’s prodigious talent has been nurtured via ex- GB captain Pauline S to tt dur ing her schooldays at Kilgraston, going on to play for Perthshire before making the trans it ion to Wanderers where former GB striker Vikki Bunce has been coach and mentor for the past six years.

The opportunity is sure to be grasped by the youngster who combines her sport with studies at St Andrews University.

She said: “I’m really looking forward to it, but a little bit nervous. It has been an ambition of mine to play for GB for so many years, so to be offered this opportunity to train with them for the next three weeks is unbelievable.”

Jen Wilson, Scotland’s head coach, said: “For such a young player, she plays with an incredible amount of maturity and has a vast repertoire of skills which continue to develop rapidly.”

Meanwhile Scottish Hockey has announced that new nationa l conferences will restart next Saturday.

The new set-ups will see teams play within their own districts with results from season 2019 - 20 forming the basis of the leagues for next season.

Grove Menzieshill and Dundee Wanderers from the men’s Premiership will play St Andrews University, Perthshire and Monarchs from what were the second and third divisions.

Dundee Wanderers, Grove Me n z i e s h i l l , Dundee University, St Andrews Un i v e r s i t y, Pe r t h s h i r e , Stirling Wa n d e r e r s , Stirling Un ivers i t y, Grove Menzieshill II and St Andrews University II will be in the women’s Midland Conference.

All other teams will be in the respective Midland Leagues but decisions on the format and start dates have yet to be taken.

Emily Dark.