A young Isle of Man hockey player has been selected to represent England under-18 schoolgirls in an international tournament this week.

The four-day competition - which gets underway today (Thursday) and continues until Sunday - will see England face Wales, Ulster and Scotland.

Ela B ( under England Hockey safeguarding guidelines mean we cannot use Ela’s surname alongside photos where she can be recognised) will pull on the England shirt for the first time at this level.

Ela plays her club hockey locally for Harlequins and has represented the island at under-14, U16 and U18 level, as well as more recently in the senior Isle of Man women's A and B teams.

The teenager has been selected as part of an 18-player England schoolgirl squad following an extensive selection process.

The squad was chosen from 60 athletes competing at England Hockey Talent Academy level, all of whom were already part of the pathway. Ela's selection represents a significant achievement and is recognition of the progress she has made throughout her playing career.

Her journey in hockey began at the 2016 Manx Youth Games when she was only seven, moving into club hockey with Harlequins, then island representative hockey at all levels.

Ten years later, she finds herself representing England at international level – a remarkable progression.

Her development through the England Hockey pathway began with selection for the Performance Centre in 2021/22, when she was aged 12.

The following season she progressed into the Talent Academy programme, where she remained for four consecutive seasons.

During her final year at Talent Academy level, Ela was also one of only two squad captains, demonstrating not only her ability on the pitch but also the leadership qualities she has developed during her time in the pathway.

Throughout, Ela has continued to play her club hockey in the island. She has represented all of the Harlequins mixed and women's teams, while also gaining valuable experience playing for island representative sides at various age groups.

Her commitment to the England Hockey pathway has also been consistent, having been selected for the Performance Centre and Talent Academy Cup for all five years.

Ela is currently undertaking the England Hockey Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE) programme, which combines sporting development with education and provides a pathway for talented young athletes.

It was through this programme that the recent selection process took place, with Ela successfully making the final 18-player England schoolgirl squad.

Her selection is a tremendous achievement for Ela personally but also provides an opportunity to celebrate the role played by Isle of Man hockey in helping young players develop and progress.

From taking her first steps into hockey at the Manx Youth Games through island representative hockey, Harlequins and the England Hockey pathway, her journey demonstrates what can be achieved through dedication, hard work and a love of the game.

Rachael Middleton, Harlequins chair and Manx hockey coach, paid tribute to the youngster, saying: 'We are incredibly proud of what Ela has achieved already, both with Harlequins and Isle of Man representative sides, and look forward to seeing her take the next steps in her hockey journey at international level.'

Everyone involved with Manx hockey and Harlequins will no doubt be following the tournament closely and wishing Ela every success as she takes to the international stage.

From the Manx Youth Games in 2016 to an England shirt in 2026 – 10 years of hockey, and a fantastic achievement for a young Manx player.

PAUL NUTTALL

ENGLAND UNDER-18 GIRLS FIXTURES

Thursday, September 3:

England v Wales at 1pm

Friday, September 4:

England v Ulster at 7pm

Saturday, September 5:

England v Scotland at 7pm

Sunday, September 6:

Medal ceremony