Junior World Cup: All you need to know

It’s nearly time for Wales’ U21 Women to represent the country on one of the biggest stages in hockey.

The Junior World Cup offers the world of hockey a showcase of some of the best young talent in the sport, a prestigious tournament that comes around once every four years.

For our U21 Women’s squad travelling to Chile to compete alongside some of the best, it’s an opportunity to demonstrate how pride and passion can overcome any odds.

20 of our girls will be making the journey, but how did they get there? Who are they playing? And how can you watch them in action? Well, here’s everything you need to know…

Route to Chile

The U21 Women’s squad will be no strangers to pushing their limits and achieving greatness. 

Their place at this tournament was secured courtesy of an historic result at last year’s EuroHockey U21 II-A Championships, where three victories followed their opening draw to win gold. 

In the pool stage, the girls did well to bounce back from their opening draw with Italy, where goals from Freya Diamond and Betsan Thomas were pegged back as the game finished 2-2.

Subsequently, a last-gasp goal from the tournament top-scorer Amy Cradden gave Wales a dramatic win over Czechia before a 5-0 thrashing of Lithuania confirmed the side’s place in the final.

Another drama-packed meeting with Czechia ensued, as the opposition fought back to draw level twice following Diamond and Cradden goals. The third time was lucky, however, as there was no reply to Cradden’s eventual 56th-minute winner.

Junior World Cup Fixtures

The team will be looking to carry its goal threat into the Junior World Cup now, with the prospect of formidable opposition.

In Pool B, Wales will face two top-ten nations in Argentina and Belgium, ranked second and seventh respectively, as well as Zimbabwe, ranked 17th – three places higher than Wales.

Tuesday 2nd December: Wales vs Belgium (18:45 GMT)

Thursday 4th December: Wales vs Zimbabwe (18:45 GMT)

Saturday 6th December: Wales vs Argentina (23:15 GMT)

The Squad

The 20-strong squad are out in Chile ahead of their opening clash with Belgium.

The squad features several standout athletes, including Amy Cradden, Betsan Thomas and Caitlin Witham, all of whom bring invaluable experience from their time in the Great Britain development setup and having recently been part of the senior national team that were victorious at the EuroHockey Championships in Poland this August.

Also amongst the squad is Makenzy Beard, recently honoured with the Child of Wales Young Leader Award 2025, recognising her exceptional contribution both on and off the pitch.

The squad is as follows:

Amy Hughes (Loughborough students); Bella Lowton (Cardiff and Met HC); Amber Millard-Smith (Repton HC); Eloise Moat (Clifton Robinsons); Amy Partridge (Cardiff and Met); Iona Roderick (Ohio University); Stephanie Smith (Firebrands); Betsan Thomas (Uni of Birmingham); Nancy Whittlestone (Gloucester City); Caitlin Witham (Uni of Birmingham); Seren Bean (Gloucester City); Leni Beard (Whapping HC); Makenzy Beard (Cardiff and Met HC); Amy Cradden (Loughborough University); Freya Diamond (Uni of Nottingham); Holly Done (Exeter University); Poppy Done (Gloucester City); Emily Edwards (Durham Uni); Tilly Edwards (Exeter University); Olivia Forey (Exeter University)  

What awaits these 20 players in Chile is testament to their dedication and talent, but also to the commitment and passion of the volunteers, staff, members and parents at community clubs across Wales and beyond.

From Carmarthenshire, to Swansea, to Whitchurch, to Plasmawr High School, to Gwent, to Deeside – and further beyond to Stockport, Gloucester, Worcester, Fleet, Guildford, and Clifton – this 20-strong squad has its roots in community clubs across the nation, and will represent the countless hours and miles put in to enable young talents to thrive.

How to Watch

Fans can watch every second of Wales in action in Chile this December, courtesy of Watch.Hockey!

The platform will be streaming every game of the Junior World Cup live, with fans able to purchase a pass for just £14.50.

Click here to get your pass and watch our U21 Women in action!