SWINDON youngster Shona O'Dwyer has been selected to take part in the England Hockey National Age Groups (NAGS) Academy.

The 16-year-old, who plays for Swindon Hockey Club, has previously been part of England Future camps, as well as playing at regional and county level, will now start regular training with an elite group of young hockey players selected by England Hockey.

The NAGS Academy is a relatively new programme launched by the national hockey body geared towards delivering high quality technical and tactical coaching, led by England Hockey talent development coaches.

Previously O’Dwyer had attended infrequent camps but with her selection for NAGS Academy she will attend fortnightly sessions at Lilleshall to train with other talented hockey players of the same age. She will also attend longer training camps during school holidays.

Being part of NAGS Academy will not prevent her from playing for her club, with O’Dwyer part of the ladies first team at Swindon.

O’Dwyer’s father, Mark, a junior coach at Swindon Hockey Club was delighted for his daughter and thought her selection also reflected well upon the club.

“I’m thrilled for her, it’s a great achievement,” he said. “It’s really good for Swindon as well, to have someone at the NAGS Academy level, this year shows how well the club are doing with young players.

“It came through last week and she was overjoyed. I think it’s one of those things you hope for rather than expect.

“This (selection) would have been from the regional performance centres from a tier 2 training match, they selected 16 from 80 to be in Nags academy, and I think Shona is the only player from Wiltshire.”

O’Dwyer will joining up with Academy on December 8, and will stay on the programme over its 14 month course.