Congratulations to Kelly Sharp, a member of Brighton & Hove Hockey Club for over 20 years, on her call up for the England Women's Masters Over-50 squad. It is a great reward for Kelly's determination to put her injuries behind her and resume playing.

Kelly has gained a place as a non-travelling reserve and has been training with the England squad in preparation for the European Cup in Valencia at the end of May and the Home Nations tournament in Glasgow in August.

Kelly joins fellow BHHC players Joey Bryant, Amanda Billington and Ali Wheatley who have also successfully regained their England places for this year's international Masters tournaments.

A delighted Kelly says: "In December 2021 I retired from hockey due to an ongoing injury but dabbled in Masters hockey playing Over-35 cup matches and successfully trialling for the South East regional Masters Over-45 squad. After playing in the Over-45s South East regional tournament I realised I couldn’t just show up and play at that level without playing regularly, so made a come back to league hockey with Brighton & Hove this year.

I then found myself at Over-50s England trials, which started in October 2024. Not being at my fittest due to a different injury I completed the trials thinking I had nothing to lose and would use the experience to fuel a future attempt next year. I was seriously surprised, yet delighted, to have been noticed as there were 82 registered triallists.

Whilst only a NTR, we still get to train as part of the full squad to learn set pieces and systems, so even if I am not needed, I can certainly improve my hockey skills and knowledge. It's never too late for that!

I have also been offered a place in the Over-50s International Alliance squad so even if I', not called up for the England tournaments I will be travelling to Valencia to participate in the European Cup for the Alliance and no doubt play against my England squad!"