Scotland Junior Women’s Hockey Team Returns to the World Stage

Scottish Hockey is proud that the Junior Women’s National Team will compete at the Junior World Cup in Santiago, Chile this December. It is their first appearance at this level since 2005, where Scotland finished in 12th place, making this return two decades in the making.

The squad earned their place through a strong performance at the 2024 EuroHockey Championships II in Konya, Turkey, demonstrating the depth of talent and commitment across the pathway.

This milestone follows Scotland’s most recent senior-level appearances: the Women’s World Cup in 2002 and the Indoor World Cup in 2007. The Junior Women’s qualification is a significant step forward, reflecting the progress of the sport and the opportunities now available to young athletes.

Every player’s journey to this Junior World Cup has been shaped by the dedication of clubs, schools, and communities across Scotland. Their support has been vital in nurturing talent and instilling the values of teamwork, resilience, and pride. We would like to take this opportunity to officially thank those involved in the players’ journey’s.

  • Katie Brett – University of Edinburgh
  • Jen Cain – Grange, attends – The Mary Erskine School
  • Cara Falconer – University of Massachusetts
  • Jess Garden – Northeastern University
  • Amy Grassom – University of Birmingham
  • Lucy Harris – University of Edinburgh
  • Darcy Littlefield- Durham University
  • Mhairi Low – Loughborough University
  • Marianna Maclean – Grange Hockey Club, attends – Fettes College
  • Lexie Macmillan – Western Wildcats, attends – University of Stirling
  • Jess Mitchell (GK) – St Andrews University
  • Emily Morris – University of Edinburgh
  • Kirsten Murison – Loughborough University
  • Cat Nelli – University of Edinburgh
  • Connie Roxburgh (c) – University of Edinburgh
  • Riley Thomson – University of Pennsylvania
  • Amber Wade – University of Glasgow
  • Ava Wadsworth – Durham University

Travelling Reserve – Ella Ritchie – Robert Gordons University

“This squad embodies the hard work, determination, and spirit of Scottish Hockey. To see them compete on the world stage is a testament to years of dedication from players, coaches, and the wider hockey family.

“Competing in Chile is a historic opportunity. This is an incredible opportunity for our Junior Women’s squad to test themselves on the world stage. To be back at a Junior World Cup after 20 years is something truly special, it’s a landmark achievement for Scottish Hockey and a moment that reflects the dedication of everyone involved in the journey.

“These players are not only making history, they are inspiring the next generation to believe in what’s possible.”

Vikki Strachan, Lead Manager – Performance.

 

“What makes this group stand out is not only their talent, but their character. They have shown resilience in pressure moments, curiosity to keep learning, and genuine pride in representing Scotland. Their journey through the pathway has shaped not just their hockey, but who they are as people, supporting each other, challenging each other, and building a culture that reflects what Scottish Hockey stands for.

“Now, they are showing those currently in the pathway what is possible, inspiring others to aspire, believe, and achieve. Watching them grow over the years and earn their place on the world stage has been a privilege, and I have no doubt they will inspire many others to follow.”

Kelly Fillingham, Performance Pathway Lead.

 

Gratitude to the Hockey Family

This achievement would not have been possible without the coaching and support staff, both those who have travelled with the squad and those who worked tirelessly in the build-up. Special thanks also go to the teams who provided opposition in preparation matches, sharpening Scotland’s competitive edge.  We would also like to extend a huge thanks to those that have supported the team’s effort to raise funds for the trip, sponsors and those that have donated via the GoFund Me page have made a huge contribution, further highlighting the strength of the hockey family.

“The hockey family has been integral to this journey. As a governing body, Scottish Hockey expresses deep gratitude for the unwavering support that has carried these young athletes to the world stage,” said, Vikki Strachan.

 

Looking Ahead

On 2nd December, Scotland will kick off their campaign against Spain, followed by exciting matches against Canada (4th) and Australia (6th). The team has already achieved something remarkable: reigniting Scotland’s presence on the junior world stage and paving the way for the next generation of players.

“The 2005 Junior World Cup was genuinely a defining moment for me and the squad, it turned ambition into belief and revealed what the pathway to senior international hockey truly looked like. The under-21 stage is a crucial development window, bringing young athletes into training environments with senior internationals and exposing them to genuine high-performance standards.

“For me, being one of the youngest in the 2005 squad brought a steep learning curve, but that challenge developed resilience, adaptability, and a much clearer understanding of what it would take to progress. Competing at a major international tournament at 18 lit the fire for the rest of my career, while the shared experiences, intensity, and team culture created friendships and values that lasted long beyond the event itself.

“The Junior World Cup helped set the standards, belief, and direction that ultimately shaped my journey into senior international hockey.  I wish the 2025 group every success as they embrace their own journey and create memories that stay with them for life.” 

Nikki Kidd, formal Scottish and GB Internationalist and member of the 2005 Junior World Cup squad.

Congratulations to the Scotland Junior Women’s Hockey Team, your journey is truly a source of pride for our sport, and we cannot wait to cheer you on in Chile.

 

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