For the first time in over twenty years, Scotland’s U21 women are looking to follow the men and gain promotion at the EuroHockey Indoor Junior Nations Trophy this weekend in Portugal.

Coach Dave Stott said: “Hopefully, our preparation will give us the edge to win.  We’ve integrated juniors training with senior training since November-and Scotland’s senior women are ranked fourth in Europe.

“Players selected have either come through our U18 programme, played in Prague to get promoted to Championship level outdoor last year, gained senior level experience against Australia and England indoor at Christmas in Paisley or are Area Institute athletes-they’re good hockey players.”

Isobel Rosie (Bristol City Firebrands), Amy Brodie (CALA Edinburgh), Kay Bartlett (Milne Craig Western), Rosanna Innes (Bon Accord) and Sophie McIntyre (Bonagrass Grove) all played at senior level at the recent indoor Tri Nations Tournament in Southampton.

There’s only one pool in this year’s European tournament with Switzerland, Croatia and Portugal as fellow contenders in a round-robin format.  Only five teams were registered originally and Turkey pulled out due to financial reasons.  Host Portugal finished second and Croatia third in 2007 with Switzerland being relegated down from the Championship division. 

Familiar with facing seven teams, Stott explained: “Now there’s only one team that can get promoted.  There’s less competition but fifty percent chance less to move up. It’s about development and more teams would mean more exposure and experience gained.”

Scotland didn’t take part in 2007 and go in ranked four out of four this year.  Stott added: “We’re ranked fourth just because we haven’t gained a series of points as we’ve been out of the competition. 

“Scotland took the decision two years ago to fully integrate U21 players into indoor as a component to outdoor development.  We’re really starting to see how indoor enhances tactical and technical skills in the outdoor game.”

Scotland challenges Switzerland first at 16:00 on Friday.