Finn Leonard has just won his first selection into the England National Age Group U18 Boys Squad. Finn took part in the final selection camp at Lilleshall at the end of October and deservedly won his place in the squad for international fixtures against the likes of Germany, Netherlands and Belgium, plus Home Nations fixtures. Finn, who is a regular goalscorer in the Men’s National League team, has shown great determination and resolution to earn his selection. Finn will be joining Toby Morris, who also plays in our Men’s 1st Team, who won selection into the same England U18 squad last season. We wish them both success and look forward to following their escapades.

Selection into this final camp follows impressive performances at the Talent Academy Tournament, played in the summer. We were delighted when so many of our athletes were selected into the Timperley TA who, in the boy’s competition, went unbeaten this time. In the Boys’ team, Deeside Ramblers comfortably had the largest number of players selected, an incredible feat. We also had numerous girls selected into the Timperley TA, and Chloe Roberts – a Women’s 1st XI player – also got selected to go through to the final trials at Lilleshall. Chloe was unluckily not to be selected this time around; Chloe is 15 years old and was one of the youngest players at the camp. Feedback was positive from the England coaches, and we look forward to watching her progress with the same dedication and support that Finn showed and received, and ultimately achieve her dream.

We also have several young Ramblers selected into the Welsh National Age Groups – these players also played at the Talent Academy Tournament in Nottingham and earned their selection. Wales will also play tournaments and test matches throughout the coming season; Jack Nash, who is another member of our Men’s National League team, has shown himself to be one of the Welsh team’s finest players. He is joined by Harry Foulkes who plays in our Men’s 2nd XI. Harry joined us from Whitchurch Hockey Club a year back following in the footsteps of Finn and has shown dedication to his development and made huge strides extremely quickly. Wales also have Grace Spender, who plays in our Women’s 1st XI; Grace has been a member of the Welsh National Age Group Performance group for several years now, playing at both U16 & U18 level. We also have Amber Millard-Smith who, though presently away at Repton School and playing National League for them, is also part of the Welsh programme. Amber remains very much a Rambler at heart, and we regularly see her down at the club during holidays.

As well as celebrating our youth it would be amiss not to mention our Senior Members who are away representing their countries at the Masters World Cups in Cape Town and Auckland. Andy Mitchell – all-round good guy and bon viveur – coached the Welsh Masters out in Cape Town in October, finally finishing 4th out of 15 nations present, the highlight of which being a 2-1 victory over England in the quarter final, where he embarrassed himself with a poorly-choreographed moon walk past the England bench.

Out in Auckland, Ramblers are represented by Andy Lear, keeping goal for the English; Alison Cheshire is out representing Alliance, whilst Titch Price and Mark Ritchie are representing Wales W65 and M50 respectively. We wish them all safe passage and look forward to them regaling us upon their return, with stories of success and adventure.