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Aberdeen's Louise Fleming has been selected for the GB Hockey Development Squad, an initiative designed to bring-on players who have the potential to make the GB 2012 Olympic team.
"It was completely unexpected and a bit of a shock when I got the phone call from the head coach,” said Louise, a Grampian Institute of Sport supported athlete for the last two years.
“They had been following me through the summer through international matches. But I was called up after my performance at an under 18 inter district tournament this month.” There, Louise had captained North of Scotland to third place, joint second on points.
“It was a good result for the North because trying to beat East and West is always a big challenge. I was captain of a young team, the team did really well, and I felt I led well.”
This will be Louise’s first experience of a GB squad and as one of only four Scottish girls selected for the 21 strong squad her inclusion is a tribute to not only her but Grampian Institute of Sport hockey coach, Murray Carnie. His philosophy of developing strong fundamentals has seen Louise and a number of other players from the North East, most notably the current GB Men's goalkeeper, Alistair McGregor, progress to the top levels.
This autumn Louise began an Economics and Maths degree in Edinburgh. As part of that move she has transferred to the East of Scotland Institute of Sport.
“I was in the Grampian Institute for two years and they were a huge help with the medical side, Strength & Conditioning training and for lifestyle advice,” she says. “I’ve just started with ESIS, I had my induction last week, and I will get three training sessions on the pitch and two weights sessions a week. It will be similar to what I got with Grampian Institute.”
With her inclusion in the GB Development Squad, it’s all change for the 17 year old.
“The GB squad is for under 21s and they have selected it for an under 21 Youth Olympics in January with the aim of working towards 2012,” she added.
“It’s good to be part of a GB set up and seeing what we can potentially be involved in is really inspiring.”
