Underwater hockey is my sport and my passion. You can find out more about the sport here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_fSe3qh5Ww

I started playing at the age of seven and it was always my dream to represent Great Britain. It is hard to believe that two years of hard work and dedication have passed since I was lucky enough to travel to Malaysia as the GB captain of the U19 ladies squad. I am eternally grateful for the financial support that I received to get me there from friends, family and complete strangers! My time there was a dream come true; I loved every moment.

On return from Malaysia, the trialling process restarted for the 2026 World Age Groups. I have been fortunate enough to have amazing support through local companies who have allowed me to use their training facilities: PB Gym Teignmouth, Cliffden Hotel Teignmouth, Trinity School Teignmouth & Cofton Holidays Dawlish. My parents have continued to fund me through the trialling process with weekly training fees, bi-monthly trips to Leeds, the GB standing order and the many tournament fees along the way, including funding two trips to tournaments in Eindhoven.

Sunday 8th of March was a day of elation. I was selected to be Under 19 ladies captain for the GB squad who will compete in Turkey in July. My dream came true again!

The financial situation for the sport has not changed in the two years though. Whilst it is an amazing sport, it is still very niche and as such attracts no significant funding or sponsorship. Trialists have to fund the program themselves, and successful players have to their fund their attendance at the world championships.

This time around I have been organised with my finances. I have been working hard whilst balancing this with my schoolwork. I have been saving my pay and in fact worked two jobs last summer to help save as much as possible. I have managed to save the bulk of the £3000+ it will cost to travel and compete in Turkey. However, I am hopeful that people will again support me with the last bit of funding that I need to secure £750 to pay for my GB kit (dryside wear, pool-wear, bag, duplicate kit etc), sports tournament insurance and travel to/from the airport. Any donation will help and every pound will be very gratefully received.

Thank you for your ongoing support. I appreciate the interest that everyone shows. It means a lot to know that people are behind me and believe in me.

Lily-Mae

U19 Ladies GB Captain