GB Elite Development Programme Squads Announced

GB Hockey is delighted to announce the men’s and women’s players selected for the Elite Development Programme (EDP).

The programme aims to provide the highest potential sub-senior players with the opportunities to develop as they continue to target Senior international hockey. It provides a combination of training, match-play and support to develop skills on and off the pitch.

Thirty men have been selected for the men’s programme which runs as a combined Great Britain and England under-21 programme. 

With seven members of the 2024 squad recently confirmed on the Senior programme, the squad consists of blend of experience and new members. Jake Bennett and Sam Carleton join their respective brothers Ollie and James on the squad

Nic Morgan is a new Welsh member of the squad while Tommy Austin and Ali Douglas represent Scotland. 

The women’s programme continues with the format established in 2024 with a smaller GB component focussing on individual development alongside the England under-21 squad announced in the Autumn.

Like the men, several players have recently progressed to the Senior programme having benefited from the new format GB EDP programme in 2024. Rebecca Daniel, Katie Curtis, Millie Holme, Georgie Gardens, Alice Atkinson and Maddie Axford have all been offered full time contracts as part of the senior squad.

There is a strong mix from across the home nations with Betsan Thomas, Caitlin Witham and Amy Cradden representing Wales while Eve Pearson, Ellie Mackenzie, Zara Kennedy and Ava Findley recently played for Scotland at the Nations Cup in Chile.

Heather Williams, Head of Elite Talent Development said: “Each player’s development journey is unique and players develop at different rates and in different places so it is exciting to see players join the programmes through different routes. George Fletcher has progressed through the club nominations route having been nominated by Beeston HC while others like Maddie Long, Sienna Dunn and Kaden Draysey have progressed through the England Age Group programmes.

“Irrespective of their route, behind all the players there are many people and organisations working hard in the background to support them, including family, coaches and clubs, schools or universities and we are grateful for the ongoing support from all these.”