Three pupils at a school in Meirionnydd have been chosen to play hockey for Wales.
The pupils, who all attend Ysgol Uwchradd Tywyn, are Tili Pugh, Dafydd Evans and Heledd Owen.
Year 11 pupil, Tili, was selected to be in the Hockey Wales National Age Group (NAG) Welsh under 16 girls squad in 2021, and has been successful in being re-selected once again this year.
“Tili has played for NW girls under-13 and is currently playing NW girls under-16, and has also play for them at under-18 level,” a school spokesperson explained. “She plays for Chester Ladies First team, which is in the Cheshire league, and a big achievement at the age of 15. She plays every Saturday and trains in Chester Abbeygate School every Wednesday night. For Chester she plays midfield, or up front, and for Wales more of a midfield and screen defensive position.”
Year 10 pupil, Dafydd Evans, is also from Tywyn.
“As an area, we are very lucky to have such a special hockey club, Dysynni Hockey Club,” the school spokesperson added. “Dafydd started as a member of Dysynni Hockey Club while in primary school. He enjoyed attending the training sessions with his friends and competing in several tournaments at weekends whether at home, Colwyn Bay or Mold.
“With the club’s encouragement, Dafydd started attending 360 training sessions in Wrexham at weekends. This led him to be selected to attend the Welsh Hockey Regional Performance Centre at Eirias in Colwyn Bay.
“Every month, Dafydd goes to Colwyn Bay to train.
“During the autumn half term 2021, and January 2022, Dafydd travelled to Cardiff to attend Hockey Wales’ residential training sessions. Fortunately Dafydd was selected to be a member of the Welsh Hockey under-16 boys’ team squad. “
Year 11 pupil, Heledd Owen, is from Bryncrug.
Commenting on Heledd’s achievements, the school said: “Heledd plays for Dysynni Ladies First team and North Wales under-16s, and has recently received the exciting news that she has been selected for Wales under-16s Squad.
“Heledd has played hockey for nine years when she started her hockey career at Dysynni Hockey Club and has played for North Wales for the last three years.
“Heledd plays in several positions, depending on what team she is playing for at the time.
Her preferred positions are right mid/wing.”