Scottish Hockey is proud that the Junior Women’s National Team will compete at the Junior World Cup in Santiago, Chile in December. It is their first appearance at this level since 2005, when Scotland finished in twelfth place, making this return twenty years in the making.
The squad earned their place with a strong performance at the EuroHockey Championships II 2024 in Konya, Turkey, demonstrating the depth of talent and dedication throughout.
This milestone follows Scotland’s most recent competitions at senior level: the Women’s World Cup in 2002 and the World Indoor Championships in 2007. The Junior Women’s qualification is a significant step forward and reflects 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 crucial 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 player journey.
- 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, studies – 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 – University of Durham
Reservations while traveling – Ella Ritchie – Robert Gordon’s University
“This squad embodies the hard work, determination and spirit of Scottish hockey. To see them compete on the world stage is testament to the years of dedication from players, coaches and the wider hockey family.
“Participating in Chile is a historic opportunity. This is an incredible opportunity for our junior women’s team to test themselves on the world stage. To be back at a junior world championship after twenty years is something very special, it is a milestone 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 is possible.”
Vikki Strachan, Lead Manager – Performance.
“What sets this group apart is not just their talent, but also their character. They have shown resilience in moments of pressure, curiosity to keep learning and genuine pride in representing Scotland. Their journey through the ranks has shaped not only 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 on the path what is possible, and inspiring others to strive, believe and achieve. It has been a privilege to watch them grow over the years and earn their place on the world stage, and I have no doubt they will inspire many others to follow.”
Kelly Fillingham, performance path leader.
Thanks to the hockey family
This achievement would not have been possible without the coaching and support staff, both those who traveled with the team and those who worked tirelessly in the build-up. Special thanks also go to the teams who provided opposition in the pre-season matches, increasing Scotland’s competitive advantage. We would also like to say a huge thank you to those who supported the team’s efforts to raise money for the trip, sponsors and those who donated through the GoFund Me page have made a huge contribution, further highlighting the strength of the hockey family.
“The hockey family has been an integral part of this journey. As a governing body, Scottish Hockey expresses its deep gratitude for the continued support that has brought these young athletes to the world stage,” said Vikki Strachan.
Looking ahead
On December 2, Scotland kicks off their campaign against Spain, followed by exciting matches against Canada (4th) and Australia (6th). The team has already achieved something remarkable: reviving Scotland’s presence on the world junior stage and paving the way for the next generation of players.
“The 2005 Junior World Cup was a truly defining moment for me and the team. It turned ambition into belief and revealed what the road to international senior hockey really looked like. The under-21 phase is a crucial stage of development, placing young athletes in training environments with senior internationals and exposing them to truly 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 was needed to progress. Competing in a major international tournament at the age of 18 lit the flame for the rest of my career, while the shared experiences, intensity and team culture created friendships and values that lasted long after 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 group of 2025 continued success as they embrace their own journey and create memories that will last a lifetime.”
Nikki Kidd, formal Scottish and British 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 can’t wait to cheer you on in Chile.
#Scotland #Scotland #Junior #Womens #Hockey #Team #returns #world #stage