As we’re only roughly a month away from the opening match of the 9th edition of the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup taking place in South Africa (1-12 April), we’re starting a series of exclusive interviews with the participating teams. Today: Christina Hamill (Ireland).
Christina, this is the very first time that the Junior Green Army is participating to the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup. How does it feel?
Christina Hamill: I think it’s a privilege to be involved and to get to play in such a high-end tournament. We’re all really excited. Me and lots of girls have been playing all the way up from 16’s-18’s, so we know each other very well. We’ll have to take one game at a time. Really excited to get the opportunity to playing in such a high-end event.
What are your expectations in South Africa?
Christina Hamill: First of all, a main goal will be to win the group stages, which is a big one. And then, from that, we take it game by game and hopefully get one of the medals at the end of the day. Also, just cherish the experience because being able to play against the top teams in the world, you’ll just learn so much you can take on to your own hockey career. Just enjoy it overall and hopefully come back with a medal around our neck.
In 2018, the Green Army made a fantastic performance at the Women’s World Cup, reaching the Final. Is that an inspiration for you?
Christina Hamill: Yes, definitely! This has really inspired the younger generation. These players are role models and since then there have been many young girls and boys taking up the sport. Here in Ireland, lots of new pitches have been built, many different clubs set up. So, it has definitely encouraged more and more people to take up the sport. Hockey is probably on the rise here in Ireland, which is really exciting times for everyone.
Will it be your first time in South Africa?
Christina Hamill: Yes. So, when I saw it was in South Africa, I thought it’s great to be able to go there and play. I also saw a lot of the FIH Hockey Pro League games which have just happened there. The set-up is fabulous, the city looks incredible. We just can’t wait to get over there and get started!
How will you prepare until this event?
Christina Hamill: We’ve been doing a lot of trainings. We just had a camp. Last year, we had the opportunity to play a 4-nations tournament in Spain, where we got to play a few competitive games against Spain, England and the Netherlands, so I think that really helped us. We also played Wales and GB in the summer. We’re playing England soon and we will also play against boys’ teams in Ireland which is really good because their intensity and tempo is really high, so it’s good for us to get up to that. Training every week now, camps and games: I think it’s really going where we want to. The fact that the event was postponed gives us more preparation time and we can already see a massive difference in how we’re performing.
#RisingStars
