The Scotland Junior Women travel to Germany to play three matches against their counterparts plus an additional match against top German Club Russelsheimer RK in a final tune-up for the BDO Hockey Junior World Cup in Chile in September.
The two teams faced each other on home ground earlier this year, when the Scottish Management team were still trying various combinations in the selection process for the final World Cup squad.
'It will be interesting to see how the squad have progressed since the matches in May when Germany won the series 4-0,ÔÇØ national Under 21 women's coach Keith Joss said.
ÔÇ£Our squad has significantly changed since then and I am confident that there will be a marked improvement in Scotland's results.'
Manager Alan Bryce states that this is the first opportunity to integrate the three players who have been involved in the senior women's programme back into the team. Holly Cram, Catriona Forrest and Aimee Clark return from the European Nations Championship in Dublin just in time to re-join the Under 21 squad for their German matches.
'They will bring considerable experience of international competition with them and we are looking forward to seeing the team for Chile work together.'
The matches also give further time with the four newcomers to the junior squad, who were previously involved with the Under 18 programme. Aisling Coyle (Kelburne), Nikki Kidd (Bonagrass Grove), Kim MacGregor (Grange), and keeper Claire Ritchie (Dundee Wanderers) bring with them valuable international experience following their gold medal performance in the European Youth Trophy in Lithuania.
Despite recovering from a detached shoulder clavicle injury, received during the second match against England recently, Susan Hamilton (Edinburgh) is heading to Germany with the team, as team management feel it is important for her to continue training and travelling with the squad in preparation for Chile.
Joss sees these matches as a final opportunity to ensure the squad is fully prepared for the Junior World Cup. While Scotland will not face Germany in their Pool games in Santiago, there is potential for the teams meeting in the second stage.
'We are looking forward to playing one of the top nations in Europe, who are ranked second going into the World Cup. While we are obviously hoping for a series of good results, these matches are more about evaluating the way we play, particularly against top flight opposition.'
Match Schedule
Thursday 25 August: Scotland v Germany, 20:30
Friday 26 August: Scotland v Russelsheim, 20:30
Saturday 27 August: Scotland v Germany, 17:00
Sunday 28 August: Scotland v Germany, 11:00
