Bearsden and Milngavie hockey players off to European Masters

Alison, from Bearsden and Karen, from Milngavie will be off to The Netherlands after being selected to represent Scotland in the 2019 European Hockey Masters Championships.

Last year the pair took part in the World Cup in Barcelona and both said they were thrilled at once again being chosen to represent their country at the highest level.

Alison (45) works as the research officer at the Scottish Human Rights Commission and plays for GHK Ladies, while Karen (44) runs her own business Aye Fond Kiss in Glasgow’s West End and plays for Clydesdale Western.

“It is always such a privilege to represent your country and test yourself against the top players in the world,” Karen said.

Alison agreed, adding: “The success of last year’s Masters World Cup has encouraged a lot more players to put themselves forward for selection this time.

“So, getting a spot in this year’s squad was a real achievement for us.

“The teams are made up of players from all different leagues throughout Scotland, so it’s great to work together in different teams and to see how far we can go.”

“We are really looking forward to the Home Nations and to playing some of the best teams in Europe at the European Championships.”

Alison and Karen will both be bringing their tournament experience from the World Cup in Barcelona last year and are looking forward to a fresh challenge.

To make the team Alison and Karen have once again had to commit to a fitness programme, attend extensive training sessions and be part of an 18-strong squad assembled from all over Scotland.

The team played a series of warm-up matches against a North of England select in Durham in April and head for London next weekend to take part in the Home Nations competition.

Then it’s off to Rotterdam in July for the European Championships.

To continue their national representation at Masters level, they have to cover a multitude of costs including access to top-level training, accommodation and travel and would love to hear from any local businesses to sponsor their efforts.

“We do this because we love to play for Scotland, but if there are any local businesses out there who can lend a hand then we’d be really grateful,” said Alison.

If you’d like to help out contact Alison on [email protected]

For more on the Masters programme visit https://www.scottish-hockey.org.uk/participation/play/masters-hockey/