England Hockey is disappointed to announce that our U21 squad will not be able to compete in next month’s FIH Junior Women’s World Cup in South Africa due to a the ongoing COVID pandemic.
There are now severe government guidelines and limitations on travel to and from the host country as well as a period of hotel quarantine upon return to the UK because the country has been added to the UK’s “travel red list.”
The squad had planned to leave on Sunday for Potchefstroom, where the competition will take place from December 5-16.
Chief Executive Nick Pink said: “First and foremost, I am desperately disappointed for our young players and staff who have prepared so well for this event.
“They have been extremely diligent and professional and can be proud of the way they have approached every challenge presented to them. We informed them this morning and once again they conducted themselves exceptionally in very difficult circumstances. Of course the opportunity to take part in a World Cup is a huge honour so we fully understand how significant this news is to our young players.
“We understand and respect the government’s decision, and of course we would never take any risks with the health and wellbeing of our travelling group, so in that respect our hands were tied, unfortunately.”
