NEXT week, Penarth-born Welsh international hockey player, Ella Jackson will be donning her goalkeeper kit, ahead of two engaging and highly energised goalkeeper masterclasses.

Aiming to inspire the up and coming generation of school and club hockey goalies, Jackson hopes the masterclasses will allow her to share her expertise and experiences of being an international field hockey player for Wales; and hopefully help shape the ambitions of young people involved with sport today.

Starting her career with Penarth Ladies Hockey Club at age 12, Jackson climbed the Welsh performance ladder through to her first appearance for Wales back in 2014 during the London Cup against South Africa. Having had a taste for hockey at that level, Jackson worked hard to gain selection into many more high-profile tournaments, in both the European and international arena.

Her most recent accolade being selection for the 2018 Commonwealth Games held on the Gold Coast of Australia.

The Whitchurch High student, who currently sits on 25 caps for Wales, largely credits her time with Penarth Ladies for steering her into an enjoyable, full-time career in playing and coaching hockey, describing her old team and club as supportive, friendly and always encouraging of a fun experience!

She said: “I’d encourage anyone to join a hockey club and just give it a go.

"You’ll learn so much through spending time with your team, make life long connections and friends and maintain a healthy body and mind, which is so important if you’re thinking about a career in sport”.

Hockey clubs are always looking for goalkeepers so by taking part in these workshops Jackson hopes more young people will enjoy their experience enough to pad up and get between the posts.

The event takes place at Chepstow Leisure Centre on Tuesday 19th February, 6pm-7pm.

For more information, please go to the Hockey Wales website at www.hockeywales.org.uk.