Three Welsh women selected for GB Hockey EDP squad

GB Hockey has announced the women’s players selected for the GB EDP Women’s Squad for 2026, with Wales’ Betsan Thomas, Amy Cradden and Caitlin Witham all included.

Twenty players from across the three Home Nations make up the squad which focuses on individual development and offers bespoke support to help players make the transition to Senior GB international level in the future.   

As well as emerging players from age group programmes, the squad includes established internationals such as Betsan, Amy and Caitlin, who all travel to India this month as part of Wales’ senior women’s World Cup qualification campaign.

The 2026 GB EDP squad will come together for a series of training camps to complement their Home Nation and club activity, culminating in a match series in the USA at the end of the year.

In confirming the squad for 2026 Simon Letchford, Head Coach, said:

“Each players’ development journey is unique and players develop at different rates and in different places, so it is exciting to see players join the programmes through different routes.

“Irrespective of their route, behind all the players there are many people and organisations working hard in the background to support them, including family, coaches and clubs, schools or universities and we are grateful for their ongoing support.”

Katie Glynn, Director of Performance at Hoci Cymru, added:

“We are absolutely delighted to see Amy, Betsan and Caitlin re-selected into the GB EDP Women’s Squad for 2026. This is fantastic recognition for each of them and a proud moment for Welsh hockey.

“All three athletes have built on another successful summer where they have consistently performed at a high level and continued to show real growth in their games. They also played an integral role in the success of the Junior World Cup squad, which has been shortlisted as a finalist for Team of the Year at the WomenIn Wales Awards — a testament to the impact they are making on the international stage.

“Their re-selection is thoroughly deserved and reflects both their commitment to their development and the positive trajectory they are on within the GB pathway. It is hugely encouraging for Wales to have players progressing and excelling in the EDP environment, and we look forward to supporting Betsan, Amy and Caitlin as they continue to push towards senior GB selection.”