A RIPON student has been talent spotted for an elite programme to one day possibly compete for Team GB.

Ripon Grammar School sixth former Marnie Scatchard, 17, from Hutton Conyers, was selected for an elite programme by England Hockey.

The programme is aimed at developing players who can transition into the Team GB and England under 18 and under 21 squads.

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She was nominated for the prestigious Diploma in Sporting Excellence programme for 2022 and 2023 following her success in playing at Yorkshire level.

As well as scoring for Thirsk under 16s when they won the junior national finals last year.

In addition to being a key member of her school hockey team, the Harrogate attacker trains in the national league with Ben Rhydding, one of the largest hockey clubs in Yorkshire.

Scatchard said she has been “training with the first team and hope to get to play with them next season.”

Speaking on being selected by England Hockey, she added: “The main benefits include the excellent and extra training and coaching.

“It provides the foundations to progress as a player and into other roles such as coaching, umpiring and sports science specialist support

“It’s a new programme with new coaches and potentially new ideas which could help me in new ways.”

Rippon Grammar School director of sport Adam Milner said the whole PE department was extremely pleased and proud of Marnie.

He added: “This is a fantastic achievement for Marnie who, through hard work and dedication, thoroughly deserves this opportunity.

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"She is an outstanding sports performer and is an excellent role model to both her peers and younger students.

“We look forward to seeing and supporting her progress for the duration of the programme and beyond."

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