A Kingston University hockey player who tried out for the Great Britain team was offered a full-time contract and started on January 2.
Business management student Will Calnan, 21, expected to get into the squad after he played well in the trials but he did not expect to be offered a full-time contract.
“I’m very happy and I definitely feel a slight sense of accomplishment,” Calnan said. “But then I know I have a lot more to do, now I have opened the door and there are so many more things I have to work towards.”
Calnan started on January 2 and will now be training five times a week with England, two training sessions with his club Hampstead & Westminster and will also try to continue to play for Kingston University hockey.
England hockey head coach Bobby Crutchley said: “Will is an exciting prospect who has shown to be an effective junior international. His physical and technical abilities mean he has the raw ingredients to become a successful senior international.
“Ultimately Will’s commitment to continue to learn, work hard and embrace the life of a full-time athlete will determine how he progresses in transferring to senior international hockey. I am very much looking forward to being involved in his development.”
The young hockey talent is aiming to be picked for the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 and is also hoping to be picked for the Commonwealth games in April.
Konstantinos Patas