A HEREFORDSHIRE hockey player is set to represent Wales at the upcoming Masters Hockey World Cup in Cape Town, South Africa.

Having grown up in Kington, where she first started playing hockey with Kington Hockey Club, Emma Turner is excited to take on the international competition alongside the Welsh team, who have been rigorously training for the past 18 months.

This year’s tournament will see Turner competing against teams from nations such as Argentina, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, and Australia as well as the other Home Nations.

“It’s a thrilling opportunity,” she said. “I’ve grown up playing hockey, but this is a whole new level of competition, and I’m ready for the challenge.”

As Head of PE at Hereford Sixth Form College, Turner has been making the most of the college’s state-of-the-art gym under the guidance of Strength and Conditioning coach Ben Parfitt.

In addition, she has been supplementing her hockey regime at The Studio, where Ben Harwood has been instrumental in adding variety to her workouts.

Turner is also quick to acknowledge the support she has received from Robin Bakewell, from Hereford Physiotherapy Clinic

”Robin has been amazing in keeping me in top shape and putting me back together after the tournaments," said Turner.

The Kington hockey player is especially honoured to have been asked to serve as co-captain for the Welsh team.

“It’s an incredible privilege,” she said. “I would also like to thank my family and friends for their unwavering support.

"I couldn’t have done this without them.”

Representing Wales at this level gives Turner a chance not only to make her friends and family proud, but also to put Kington on the world map of hockey. 

She is passionate about encouraging young athletes to pursue their dreams, believing that her journey from Kington to the international stage can serve as a powerful example of what is possible.

The tournament will run from October 12 to 21, with matches available to watch on YouTube. Follow @wales035 on Instagram for updates.

Meanwhile, in the Women’s Severn Division One, Blockley ran out 6-2 victors against Leominster.

Hereford were also on the wrong end of a 5-2 score-line against Cheltenham thirds, despite Ally Taft pulling a goal back for the visiting side.