Hockey: Eight Island players selected for Northwest Talent Academy

The system aims to develop players with significant potential

Eight Island hockey players have been invited to be part of an ongoing initiative to develop some of the most talented young players in the UK.

The Manx Hockey Association (MHA) says four male and four female competitors have been selected to attend the England Hockey Northwest Talent Academy cycle for the 2024/25 season after all underwent recent performance assessments.

Joining the male pathway will be Ross Grimley, Douglas Quayle, Cameron Roome and Liam Taverner whilst representing the Island on the female side will be Ela Blakemore, Lucy Cartwright, Summer Craig and Evie Watterson.

The MHA adds whilst fellow players Archie Cox and Ethan Adams remain eligible for this year's intake they've opted to step away this time to focus on their studies.

England Hockey says its talent academies 'are intended for the highest potential 15-18 year-old players' with 24 academies in total across England.

Furthermore, the organisation adds the aim of them is to provide an education system to 'help prepare athletes for the demands of junior international hockey' with coaching provided across 40-44 weeks of the year.

The Northwest academy is based out of Mill Farm Sports Village - the home of Fylde Hockey Club - in Wesham, near Blackpool.