Elena Fraser, a pupil at Loughborough High School, has been selected for the England under-18 hockey squad, earning a spot in the prestigious Eight Nations tournament this summer. The young goalkeeper will travel to Spain, the Netherlands, and Germany to compete against top international teams.
Selection process
Fraser successfully progressed through multiple training camps and a highly competitive national selection process involving around 40 players. She has been chosen for the final group of 28 players who will take part in both the preparation tour and the international tournament.
Tournament details
The international programme begins with a preparation tour in the Netherlands and Germany featuring matches against both nations. Fraser will then travel to Spain for the official tournament matches against Spain, the Netherlands, and Scotland.
Training and balancing studies
The talented teenager trains regularly at Lilleshall National Sports Centre and competes for Beeston Hockey Club at club level. Alongside her club commitments, she balances her intensive sporting schedule with her academic studies as part of her school athlete programmes. Loughborough High School has supported her development through specialized goalkeeper conditioning and regular training against boys' hockey groups to increase game intensity.
Quotes
Elena said: “It’s a real privilege to be selected for the England Under 18 squad and to have progressed through such a competitive pathway. The selection process has been challenging, with constant assessment and training camps, so reaching the final group feels incredibly rewarding. The School’s Hockey Player Pathway has helped me develop in a more position-specific way as a goalkeeper, particularly through strength and conditioning work tailored to my role. It has really helped prepare me for the demands of international hockey, and I’m excited for what’s ahead this summer.”
Jo Hackett, from Loughborough Schools Foundation, said: “Elena’s selection is a fantastic achievement and reflects both her talent and her commitment to performing at the highest level. She has shown outstanding dedication in balancing an extremely demanding training schedule with her academic studies. The Player Pathway has been designed to support exactly this type of athlete, providing access to high-quality coaching, strength and conditioning, and competitive environments that mirror elite performance sport. Elena’s progress is a clear example of what can be achieved when that structure is fully embraced. We are incredibly proud of her selection for the England U18 squad and look forward to following her progress across the European tour and the Eight Nations tournament.”
