Edinburgh University Women’s 1st XI will travel to Prague to compete in the EuroHockey Club Champions Challenge I from the 13th-16th May. This is the first time a university club has made it to the prestigious European tournament. The achievement also comes after a successful season which saw the team claim the Scottish League and Scottish Cups, as well as a hard-earned second place in their first season in the BUCS Premiership. As principal sponsor of the Club, Sport & Exercise is pleased to share this news with its members. Team Captain, Kirsten Peters, said, “We’re so excited about this opportunity to compete in Europe. It is a dream come true and a testament to the talent and hard work the players have put in this year whilst juggling their academic and sporting commitments.” Scottish International and team member Becky Merchant has bounced back from a broken ankle sustained just 6 weeks ago to compete in the championships. She has undergone an intensive rehab programme to get fighting fit for the competition. Becky said, “I wouldn’t miss EuroHockey for the world and can’t wait to join my teammates on the plane to Prague on Thursday. It has been a tough road to recovery but I’m determined to be there.” The team will face Swansea (Wales), Ulster Elks (Ireland) and home team SK Slavia Prague in their group matches in the Czech Republic. Depending on the results, they will then move on to the promotion or relegation pools. Director of Sport & Exercise, Jim Aitken, said, “As principal sponsor of EUWHC, Sport & Exercise is delighted to support them as they take this momentous step – playing in the prestigious EuroHockey championships. We are sure the girls will give it their all and do us and the University of Edinburgh as a whole proud.” Keep up-to-date with the team by following @EUWHC on Twitter. Check out the team’s list of Prague fixtures and look out for the results online: Date Match Time 13 May University of Edinburgh v Swansea City 15.15 (14.15 UK) 14 May University of Edinburgh v SK Slavia Prague 14.30 (13.15 UK) 15 May University of Edinburgh v Ulster Elks 16.45 (15.45 UK) 16 May TBC TBC Image Credit: Celia-Victoria Powell Publication date 10 May, 2016
