Selections have been made based on the Talent Academy Festival, previous English Age Group selections and through open nominations, demonstrating the strength and depth of developing talent across the country.
A small number of players remain under assessment due to absence, illness or injury. The final selections will be confirmed in January 2026.
The selection for an England Age Group squad represents a significant milestone in the performance trajectory of English hockey. Each player’s participation reflects their technical ability, commitment and potential to succeed at international level.
Program management teams are now preparing for the start of the new cycle, which provides a crucial phase in the development of players within the national structure. The strength of this year’s groups reflects the dedication of coaches, clubs and talent academies across the country, and the continued success of England Hockey’s integrated talent system.
The structure of the Talent Academy already shows the benefits of longer contact time, stronger coach alignment and a clear focus on the development of individual players. Many players have been consistently involved with their local Talent Academy, while others competing in national senior competitions will rejoin as associate members after Easter, ensuring the whole group benefits from high-quality, competitive training opportunities.
The U16 Age Group continues to provide players with their first experiences of international hockey. It remains a vibrant, challenging and supportive environment, offering new opportunities for learning and growth.
The selection process for this age group is deliberately broad, so that players from all backgrounds and regions have the opportunity to be identified and developed within the English hockey pathway.
Throughout the 2025-2026 cycle, players within the England Age Group Program will operate in a high-challenge, high-support environment, with regular training days and residential camps. The program provides valuable international exposure through matches and tournaments against leading European countries including the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Spain, Ireland and the Home Nations.
In addition, players receive specialist education and support in key performance disciplines, including anti-doping, nutrition, strength and conditioning, injury management and psychology.
England Hockey would like to thank all Talent Academy coaches, club coaches, parents and support staff for their continued commitment to player development and performance pathways.
For those selected, details of training dates and logistics for the next phase of the program will be communicated directly in due course.
For more information please contact
Dieter Hill (dieter.hill@englandhockey.co.uk)
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