Ahead of the 9th edition of the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup taking place in South Africa (1-12 April), we’re conducting a series of exclusive interviews with the participating teams. Today: Izzie Howell (WAL).
Izzie, how does it feel to play a World Cup?
Izzie Howell: I’ve never actually played a World Cup so for all us we’re really excited to get the opportunity to play in a Junior World Cup. This is almost something we’ve never thought about before or even had in our vision before. It’s going to be such an exciting experience to all, as the younger players, to get to show what we can do on the world stage for the first time for all of us. So, yes, really exciting!
What are your expectations in South Africa?
As it’s our big first tournament, we’re going to try and do basically the best we can do. Our first aim is to get in the top 8 and then go from there. As the Welsh team, even though we’re coming to this tournament kind of unexpectedly, we didn’t necessary plan it, but we’ve always said that we will not be a team that is just there to participate. We will try our hardest, always work hard and see where we can get because we’ve got a brilliant team. I think we can really turn some heads if we pull it out of the bag.
Wales have played the Women’s Junior World Cup once (in 2001). How do you look at your participation in this event for the development of Welsh hockey?
I think it’s such an exciting development. I’m so excited for what it means for younger players coming through as well. I was lucky enough to be part of the team 2 years ago in Turkey, at the Europeans, so we got promoted into A Division which has enabled us to get this invite. It’s so exciting to be a part of that legacy and also to leave what we’re going to do for other players coming through. Because, once we put our mark on the world stage then people will look at us like “these young players from Wales, they mean business, they’re serious!”. I think it means a lot to all the girls and all the coaches and everyone that’s been working so hard to keep pushing Wales and keep developing them forward.
Have you ever played outside of Europe? Have you been to South Africa?
I’ve never been to South Africa. So, it will be very exciting. A completely different climate to play in, so that will be another challenge in itself. Very excited to go to South Africa!
How will you prepare for the tournament?
Because of the change in climate, I think a big focus for us is on our conditioning. Making sure we’re ready to perform at our best under the conditions. I think it will be a big change for us but in the past we’ve played in hot climates before. We’re used to this kind of preparation before big tournaments in hot countries (in Europe). Making sure we’re all on the same page in terms of what we’re planning to achieve and working together to make sure we’re at our best so that we can show people what we can do.
