How is Wales U21s Funding Their Hockey World Cup Journey?

The Wales Under-21 women's hockey team is gearing up for the Junior World Cup in Santiago, Chile, having secured their place by winning the EuroHockey U21 II-A Championships. With a squad of 20 players, including senior-level caps and pairs of sisters, the team aims to upset the competition despite the challenges of fundraising £40,000 to cover their travel and accommodation costs.

Last updated: 02 December 2024 (BST)

What’s happening now

The Wales Under-21 women's hockey team has recently named a 20-player squad for the upcoming Junior World Cup in Santiago, scheduled from 1-13 December 2024. The squad is optimistic about their chances in a challenging Pool B, competing against strong teams such as Argentina and Belgium. As they prepare for their matches, the focus is firmly on fundraising to meet their £40,000 target, essential for covering expenses like travel and accommodation.

Key takeaways

Wales secured their Junior World Cup spot by winning the EuroHockey U21 II-A Championships in July.
The team has raised over £17,000 towards their £40,000 fundraising goal.
Captain Betsan Thomas expresses confidence in the team's potential to surprise their opponents.
The squad includes players with senior international experience and pairs of sisters, adding a personal touch to the team dynamic.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey to the Junior World Cup for the Wales Under-21 women's hockey team has unfolded over several months. Key milestones include:

July 2024: Wales wins the EuroHockey U21 II-A Championships, qualifying for the Junior World Cup.
October 2024: The squad is announced, comprising 20 players, including notable players with senior caps.
December 2024: The Junior World Cup takes place in Santiago from 1-13 December, with Wales competing in Pool B.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

As the tournament approaches, the Wales Under-21 women's hockey team has solidified their squad and is actively fundraising to ensure their participation. The recent social media support from notable figures, including former football international Jess Fishlock, highlights the growing awareness of their efforts.

What was already established

The team had already qualified for the Junior World Cup by winning the EuroHockey U21 II-A Championships. They are also aware of the competitive nature of Pool B, which includes strong teams with a history of success in international competitions.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The success of the women's hockey team can inspire broader support for women's sports in the UK, potentially leading to increased funding and sponsorship opportunities. This could enhance visibility and opportunities for young athletes across various sports, including hockey.

Businesses and jobs

Increased recognition of women's sports may lead businesses to invest in sponsorships and partnerships with sports teams. This investment can create jobs within the sports industry, from coaching to event management and marketing roles.

Policy and regulation

In light of the team's achievements, there may be calls for more substantial government and organisational support for women's sports initiatives, particularly in terms of funding and resources for grassroots development.

Numbers that matter

£40,000: The fundraising target set by the Wales women's hockey team for their participation in the Junior World Cup.
£17,000: Amount raised so far through crowdfunding efforts.
20: Number of players named in the travelling squad for the tournament.
4: The number of players in the squad who have been capped at senior level.
3-2: The score by which Wales secured their championship title against Czechia.

Definitions and jargon buster

EuroHockey U21 II-A Championships: A European tournament for Under-21 women's hockey teams that serves as a qualification route for the Junior World Cup.
Junior World Cup: An international hockey tournament for Under-21 women's teams, showcasing emerging talent from around the world.
Capped: Refers to a player who has represented their national team in an official match.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

The team will focus on finalising their fundraising efforts while concentrating on training and team cohesion as they prepare for their first match against Belgium on 2 December.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Following the tournament, the team aims to leverage their performance to attract more funding and support for women's hockey in Wales, which could lead to enhanced training facilities and opportunities for younger players.

Signals to watch

Progress in fundraising efforts leading up to the tournament.
Performance in matches, particularly against higher-ranked teams like Belgium and Argentina.
Increased support from sponsors and organisations in response to the team's success in the tournament.

Practical guidance

Do

Support the team through fundraising initiatives and social media shares.
Engage with local hockey clubs to promote the sport and inspire young players.
Follow the team's progress during the Junior World Cup to stay updated on their performance.

Don’t

Assume there is sufficient funding for women's sports; advocacy is essential.
Neglect the importance of grassroots support for developing future talent.
Overlook the achievements of women in sports; recognition can lead to greater opportunities.

Checklist

Follow the Wales women’s hockey team on social media for updates.
Consider donating to their crowdfunding campaign to support their journey.
Attend local matches or events to encourage community support for women's sports.
Share news articles and updates to raise awareness about women's hockey.
Explore opportunities to volunteer or get involved with local hockey programmes.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the Wales Under-21 women's hockey team has shown promise, there are inherent uncertainties regarding their performance against stronger teams in their pool. The fundraising target is substantial, and failure to reach it may impact their participation and preparation. Additionally, the level of support from sponsors and the community remains to be seen, which could influence future initiatives for women's sports in Wales.

Bottom line

The Wales Under-21 women's hockey team is poised to make an impression at the Junior World Cup in Chile, but their success hinges on both performance and community support. As they work towards their fundraising goal, their achievements could pave the way for greater recognition and investment in women's sports in the UK.

FAQs

How can I support the Wales Under-21 women's hockey team?

You can support the Wales Under-21 women's hockey team by donating to their crowdfunding campaign and sharing their appeal on social media.

What are the dates of the Junior World Cup?

The Junior World Cup takes place from 1-13 December 2024 in Santiago, Chile, with Wales competing in Pool B.

Who are some key players in the travelling squad?

The squad includes captain Betsan Thomas and players Makenzy and Leni Beard, who are notable for their senior caps and family connections.