Jay & Kieran to support at the World Cup in New Zealand

Dreams can come true…

If you had said to me 6 months ago, that I would be representing England Women’s Hockey Masters O45s in 2024, I would not have believed you! But here I am writing this.

At the age of 45 and a lot of encouragement from my boys, Jay and Kieran and after years of not playing, I reluctantly dusted off my very old stick and played my first hockey match in November 2023. Fast forward to January 2024 and I nervously attended England trials and I succeeded. My childhood ambition has come true! What an honour and privilege to be able to put that England shirt on. To be the first Sikh and Asian woman to represent at Master’s level gives me great pride.

As a single parent to Jay (10) and Kieran (8), I owe them so much. They have helped me gain my identity back and find the love for a sport which I have played since I was 10 years old. For them to see me play for England means the world to both them and I.

The financial commitment to playing Masters is substantial. Having already played in the Indoor World Cup 2024, winning Silver and being Home Nations Champions in Cork, Ireland, in May, we have the Outdoor World Cup in November in Auckland, New Zealand.

Seeing the boys excitement and pride in watching me play in the Indoor was something I cannot put into words other than it will be something that I will never forget. It was great that, (with the support of a great friend, Taff) the boys also got to experience my first Home Nations in Ireland to cheer me and the team on. I could not imagine sharing these moments without Jay and Kieran. Which is why I have setup this GoFundMe page.

The World Cup in Auckland runs 7th to 16th November. It’s a long time to be away from Jay and Kieran and they should really continue this journey with me, after all, they are the reason I am back playing.

I am reaching out for your help and support to assist with getting the boys to New Zealand. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Let’s go get that Gold Medal!

Sandeep